Olivier Giroud, the prolific striker, lights up derby matches for Arsenal, AC Milan, and most recently, Chelsea
In the world of football, few players have made a lasting impact in derby matches quite like Olivier Giroud. The French striker has etched his name into the annals of history with his impressive performances in London derbies and the Derby della Madonnina.
On November 17, 2012, Giroud made his debut for Arsenal in a game against Tottenham Hotspur. The newcomer didn't disappoint, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory. This was the start of a memorable chapter in his career, one that would see him score 18 goals in 68 London derbies, earning him the nickname "Mr. Derby" by the English media.
Giroud's first goal for Arsenal came just a few days later, on August 19, 2012, in a match against West Ham United. His first four goals for the club were all scored against London rivals, including a brace against Tottenham.
However, Giroud's derby prowess isn't limited to London. In the 2019 Europa League final, he was the top scorer with 11 goals, including a header at the start of the second half that secured a vital victory against his former club, Chelsea. Giroud also marked a significant milestone in the Derby della Madonnina, scoring a brace in four minutes on February 5, 2022, while playing for AC Milan. He became the first French player to score twice in this iconic match since Jean-Pierre Papin in 1992.
Giroud's impact extends beyond just scoring goals. In the 2019 Europa League final, he won a penalty and set up a goal for Eden Hazard. His performance that night was instrumental in Chelsea's victory.
Despite nearly joining Tottenham Hotspur in January 2019, Giroud's derby career has been predominantly spent battling against them. He scored twice against Tottenham while at Chelsea and in his first game with Arsenal. His goal in the 2012-2013 season was the winning goal that sealed Arsenal's victory against Tottenham.
Giroud joined Arsenal in the summer of 2012 for 12 million euros. His time with the club was marked by his consistent performances in derby matches, which helped him quickly gain acceptance among the fans. His goal against Tottenham in his first game was a testament to this, as was his brace in the Derby della Madonnina for AC Milan.
In his career, Giroud has shown that he is more than just a striker. He is a derby specialist, a player who rises to the occasion in the biggest matches. His legacy in derby football will undoubtedly continue to grow as he continues to make history on the pitch.
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