Olivier Giroud's contributions last season certainly helped Arsenal clinch a top four finish, but most of all, it helped silence some critics, even if just for the time being. His arrival at the club had many fans and neutrals questioning Arsene Wenger's choice, having already seen how Marouane Chamakh panned out.
After Robin van Persie's departure to rivals Manchester United, it was expected that the Gunners would bring in a big name to replace the Dutchman, but Wenger's liking for French players left Arsenal fans frustrated.
In his final season with Montpellier, Giroud claimed the Ligue 1 title while also scoring 25 goals in all competitions for the French side. After his first full season with Arsenal, Giroud did not score as many goals with the London side, but he was not far off the mark.
A total of 47 appearances gave the French striker the opportunity to score 17 goals, and he also contributed with an additional 11 assists.
When you compare that to Chamakh's first season with Arsenal (44 appearances, 11 goals, 8 assists), you can see that Giroud actually did not do all that bad. One must also take into consideration the fact that the EPL is much quicker and more physical than Ligue 1.
Just for the sake of comparison, looking at Giroud's stats along side those of Robin van Persie's in his first season with Arsenal, the Frenchman has the upper hand as well. RVP put in 41 appearances and 10 goals for the Gunners in his debut season (2004/05). Although that is six less appearances than Giroud last season, he also came in seven goals short.
While that does not mean that Giroud is going to pan out to be a better striker than RVP, it does at least give Arsenal fans a glimmer of hope for the future.
Giroud is going to be pivotal piece to Arsenal's upcoming season, especially given the way he has been freely scoring in pre-season. You may be brush off that last statement due to the teams Arsenal has gone up against in pre-season, but regardless of their level of competitiveness, Giroud has looked very sharp.
He appears to have more confidence in himself and his finishing, something that at times was missing last year.
"We have more knowledge now," Giroud told Arsenal's official website. "Santi, Poldi, me -- we were new players last season. We also did not lose anyone during the summer for the first time in a few years. That is good for us, and so is the fact we know each other much better as it will be easier for us to win more games. We just need a better start this season."
Apart from a much better start, Giroud will also want to make sure he gets on the scoresheet in the league sooner than he did last season. His first EPL goal came against West Ham in October, after a brilliant cross from Podolski met a fully extended Giroud, who poked the ball into the Hammers' goal.
His knowledge of the league and his teammates heading into his second season with Arsenal should ease the pressure, but with Arsene Wenger chasing Luis Suarez, Giroud could feel the pressure of having to perform.
"It does not worry me but that is why I look forward to September because we will know the team then and the players," Giroud answered when questioned about Arsenal's interest in Luis Suarez.
"I have heard a lot of things and I know we need a striker. But the most important thing is the team. It will be good for the team and me as well to have another striker as we will have more competition. I cold play with him or without him, we will see."
The Gunners will kick off their 2013/14 campaign at home against Aston Villa, which should give Giroud a chance to leave a good impression in front of the Arsenal fans. But before that, Arsenal will have a hand full of competitive pre-season matches that will really help set the bar for Giroud and the rest of the Arsenal squad.
