Olivier Giroud strengthened his case in his battle for supremacy with Arsenal team-mate Alexandre Lacazette thanks to his sensational Europa League goal on Thursday.
The France international was on target with a wonderful hooked effort late in the meeting with Red Star Belgrade to win the match 1-0 for his side.
The goal livened up what had been a dire game and saw Arsenal strengthen their grip on Europa League Group H by maintaining their 100% record in the tournament.
Giroud was enjoying a rare start having had to play second fiddle to summer signing Lacazette this season.
The rivalry between the two Frenchman is intriguing with Lacazette preferred at Arsenal and Giroud favoured at international level with France.
Giroud’s goal will have done his chances of swaying Arsene Wenger’s mind no harm. In addition, it saw him move past Lacazette’s European goals tally.
Giroud now has 16 goals in 37 outings in UEFA club competitions, edging him ahead of Lacazette’s 15 in 47.
After the match Wenger said: ‘Giroud may not have played his best match, but he knows to shine when it is needed.’
Giroud still trails one current Arsenal player however, with Theo Walcott’s 20 in 69 appearances the best in the ranks.
MORE : Arsenal end 22-month wait for clean sheet away from home in Europe with Red Star Belgrade win
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