Gunner Since Time Began - born to moan
03-06-2013, 07:31 PM
Olivier Giroud vs. Theo Walcott: Who the Stats Say Is Arsenal's Better Striker
BY MATT CHEETHAM (FEATURED COLUMNIST) ON MARCH 5, 2013 3,114 reads 36
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Clive Mason/Getty Images
Arsenal's main two options up front this season are Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott.
Giroud arrived as one of the club's marquee summer signings, given the unenviable task of replicating Robin van Persie's output, while the freshly contracted Theo Walcott's desire to adopt a more central berth is well documented.
With the Gunners generally employing one main striker, Arsene Wenger is often in a quandary about which of the two men to select in that role.
After a mini period of employing Walcott as the lone front man, Giroud has been back starting recent fixtures, with Walcott occupying his more familiar attacking berth on the right.
But what do this season's statistics reveal about the pair?
Shooting Stats
First off, here's a look at some shooting results to gauge how effective both men have been in front of goal.
EPL Stats only (via EPL Index)
These numbers shine more favourably on Walcott. He tests the goalkeeper more often, is much more clinical with his chances and has, of course, registered more goals at a better strike-rate.
Giroud reels off more shots of the two, but that can perhaps be attributed to the greater amount of time Walcott's lined up in a wider role—13 starts to six, according to WhoScored?.
It's the Frenchman who's been presented with far more clear-cut chances but has been considerably wayward with these more inviting openings.
He will be disappointed with just four goals from 20 here, a return Walcott trumps with eight fewer opportunities.
Quite simply, if Arsenal get a chance in and around the penalty area they want it to fall to Walcott. He possesses the superior finishing ability and has enjoyed a more consistent season in front of goal so far.
BY MATT CHEETHAM (FEATURED COLUMNIST) ON MARCH 5, 2013 3,114 reads 36
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse more storiesNext
Clive Mason/Getty Images
Arsenal's main two options up front this season are Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott.
Giroud arrived as one of the club's marquee summer signings, given the unenviable task of replicating Robin van Persie's output, while the freshly contracted Theo Walcott's desire to adopt a more central berth is well documented.
With the Gunners generally employing one main striker, Arsene Wenger is often in a quandary about which of the two men to select in that role.
After a mini period of employing Walcott as the lone front man, Giroud has been back starting recent fixtures, with Walcott occupying his more familiar attacking berth on the right.
But what do this season's statistics reveal about the pair?
Shooting Stats
First off, here's a look at some shooting results to gauge how effective both men have been in front of goal.
EPL Stats only (via EPL Index)
These numbers shine more favourably on Walcott. He tests the goalkeeper more often, is much more clinical with his chances and has, of course, registered more goals at a better strike-rate.
Giroud reels off more shots of the two, but that can perhaps be attributed to the greater amount of time Walcott's lined up in a wider role—13 starts to six, according to WhoScored?.
It's the Frenchman who's been presented with far more clear-cut chances but has been considerably wayward with these more inviting openings.
He will be disappointed with just four goals from 20 here, a return Walcott trumps with eight fewer opportunities.
Quite simply, if Arsenal get a chance in and around the penalty area they want it to fall to Walcott. He possesses the superior finishing ability and has enjoyed a more consistent season in front of goal so far.