The opening weekend of the Premier League was filled with excitement and intrigue. Here are the winners and losers of the first week.
The very first match of the new season of the Premier League between Arsenal and Leicester was a thrilling affair featuring seven goals. The lead changed three times between the sides, and was tied an additional three times. Needless to say, that was just the beginning of a breathtaking opening weekend. New signings scored their first goals, new Premier League clubs won their first matches and the reigning champions were taken down at home.
Here are the winners and losers of the first matchweek in the Premier League.
Winner: Olivier Giroud
If I were writing this piece when Arsenal broke their transfer fee record to sign Alexandre Lacazette, Giroud would certainly be in the “losers” section. There were doubts the Frenchman would even stay with the Gunners this season after the move went through. Instead, Giroud accepted his role would be diminished and worked hard to stay in Arsene Wenger’s good graces.
Both Lacazette and Giroud scored on opening day, but it was the latter’s goal that won the match. The game was a back-and-forth affair that featured seven total goals, none of which were more important than Giroud’s, both for himself and the team.
Giroud came on as a substitute in the 67th minute as Arsenal were chasing the game, down 3-2. Just two minutes after fellow substitute Aaron Ramsey scored to even it up, the Gunners put together an impressive passing move that eventually saw a shot from Lacazette tipped over the bar by Kasper Schmeichel. Giroud made sure the ensuing corner lead to a goal. His “meaty French forehead” connected with a looping Mesut Ozil cross and hit the underside of the bar, just bouncing over the line, all while he was being man-handled by defender Harry Maguire.
Giroud can change a defensive game plan entirely due to his size and style of play, which is unique to Arsenal’s squad. A full match with him as the target man can quickly become stale, as his skill set is limited. But as a substitute, those skills can be lethal.