I think we can all agree that Giroud is useless in front of goal without Walcott or another winger by his side. Right now, there are two creative attacking midfielders by his side and all Giroud can contribute with right now is link up play. Which is fine against some teams but Arsenal can't use him as a counter attacking threat. His best way to score is with those low crosses provided by a winger/fullback. Often in a counter attack.
He won't beat his defenders by sprinting onto through balls and he won't beat defenders one on one. He needs service and he's not going to get it when he's playing with attacking midfielders by his side. Unless Arsenal press really high of course.
I think we'll have/are already in a slump, but I don't see an implosion. Once we scrape through this extremely difficult run of fixtures, we'll be fine. Logically I shouldn't, but I feel really confident for the City game, despite it being at the Etihad and City being in better form than us. I just have a feeling we'll go there and send a message after two games in a row without winning.
Last game at the Etihad ended 1-1. After that followed a defeat at the Emirates. Because of a stupid red card early on.
Last time they played each other was a few weeks before the season started. Pre - season game which Arsenal won easily with 3-1. Sure, a friendly but Arsenal took advantage of the same weaknesses City are showing right now. Mainly how easily their midfield gets bypassed and how weak their back four is.
A win for Arsenal is not impossible but they should be happy with a point.
