Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace: Three things that we learnt

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It was another win for Arsenal as they moved up to third in the league table after Manchester City’s defeat against Liverpool. They have now won back-to-back Premier League matches and will be hoping that their good form continues over January as they attempt to increase the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the league. The Gunners were dominant against Crystal Palace and could have won by a higher margin on another day. Here are three things we learnt from their victory on Sunday afternoon.

Olivier Giroud is consolidating his first team place

It has been a frustrating year for the Frenchman after some good performances during the summer for France. Arsenal didn’t sign a new striker as many expected they would, but they did move Alexis Sanchez into a central role and that has limited the chances given to Giroud. However, the Frenchman is now back in the first team and has scored two crucial goals in the last two matches. His goal this afternoon was exquisite as he scored a scorpion kick, similar to the one scored by Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Boxing Day. It was a goal of the season contender for sure and will become a mainstay of Premier League goal packages.

He was dominant in the air, winning four aerial duels and led the line well, offering a genuine presence in the final third. Sanchez has been causing all sorts of problems with his movement this season, but Giroud offers a focal point and Arsenal sometimes need that. The Frenchman is a tireless worker and presses well from the front. During the match, he completed four tackles and made one interception, showing how he is willing to work for his side. It was an excellent striking performance and he is now beginning to become a regular for Arsenal once again.