2 Goals, 100% Dribble Success: How Olivier Giroud Inspired Arsenal Against Sunderland

He was rested against Bayern Munich in the Champions League but he was back in fine form at the Emirates yesterday as Arsenal took Sunderland apart. There were a couple of raised eyebrows when Arsene Wenger opted to start Yaya Sanogo in the Champions League tie last night, and despite the youngster having a good game, Wenger was quick to put first choice striker Giroud back in the team for the visit of the Black Cats.

What a decision it was, too, as the France international was the one who really stuck the boot into Gus Poyet's side.

Not only did Giroud open the scoring with a powerful finish in the fifth minute, but he also doubled the Gunners' lead when he pounced on a loose back pass.

So, two shots and two goals for Giroud, but it wasn't just that which impressed us. He went up for six headers in which he won four, and he also won 100% of his take ons.

It was a stellar performance from a rejuvenated Giroud and it looked as though he was hungry to pull his side forward. It's exciting times for Arsenal but they have a massive couple of months coming up and they will need Giroud to keep up the levels that we saw from him yesterday.

stats via Squawka