'A player I am a big fan of,' is how Jamie Carragher described Olivier Giroud on Friday night.
Carragher was speaking shortly after Giroud had helped Arsenal to an incredible comeback win against Leicester at the Emirates. Arsenal were twice behind against Craig Shakespeare's side. Goals from two substitutes in the final ten minutes of the game - first Aaron Ramsey and then Giroud - would take Arsenal to a remarkable 4-3 win.
Giroud's 85th minute goal came from a cross by Granit Xhaka. It was a difficult chance, Carragher said Giroud placed the ball in the only spot which Kasper Schmeichel could not have reached.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Carragher explained why he's a fan of Giroud.
I'm not saying he should be Arsenal's number one striker; that wouldn't be enough if Arsenal were trying to win a Premier League or Champions League which a club of this size should be.
There's so many strikers down the years who have been that backup striker who have played a major part in the season. He'll play 30 games, he'll give you 15 goals. He gives you that aerial ability going forward as we saw with that winning goal.
The former Liverpool player also praised Giroud's contribution defensively.
What he did defensively towards the end of the game - Gary's just mentioned the back four that Arsenal had - without him at the end you fear Leicester would have got the equaliser.
Carragher believes that the Frenchman has received undeserved criticism during his time at Arsenal.
I just think he's got too much criticism and it's not his fault. It's the players around him in terms of Arsene Wenger bringing in a better centre forward so he's not the focal point that everyone looks at and says he's not good enough.
He's good enough to do that job of a second striker; what Dzeko did for Man City for two or three years when they were winning titles: you had Aguero as the number one man but he played a huge role.
