OLIVIER GIROUD WENT some way to silencing his critics as he scored the opening goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
The France international had been widely derided in midweek for missing a host of chances in the 3-1 defeat Champions League to Monaco. But Giroud made up for his poor performance on the European stage by breaking the deadlock in the first half, before substitute Tomas Rosicky’s late goal settled the hosts’ nerves.
Giroud – who scored a late leveller when Arsenal drew 2-2 at Everton in August - netted his 12th goal of the season with a low effort from Mesut Ozil’s corner and Rosicky’s deflected drive in the final minute scuppered any hopes the visitors had of earning a share of the spoils.
Before that intervention, Arsenal had relied heavily on the fine form of David Ospina, the goalkeeper frustrating an Everton side who now have just three wins from their last 18 league games.
Roberto Martinez’s side remain only six points above the drop zone, while Arsenal are one point ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United and still three clear of Liverpool following their success over Manchester City.
https://vine.co/v/O2lK0OQ2IYe
