Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal
Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal (Getty Images)

Olivier Giroud was the hero for Arsenal in their 1-1 draw with Southampton thanks to his late equaliser.

The Frenchman came off the bench on the 72nd minute and with just two minutes of the game remaining he rose highest in the box to score with a flicked header from Alexis Sanchez’s cross.

The goal was a huge relief for Arsenal who toiled all afternoon in search of an equaliser after Charlie Austin capitalised on mistakes from Per Mertesacker to score after just three minutes.

Still, the result was underwhelming for the Gunners who missed an opportunity to return to the top four.

Giroud scored with a late headed goal (Getty)

For Giroud however, he can celebrate matching a record set by Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Arsenal striker has now scored 17 goals after coming off the bench, drawing level with the Premier League record held by the Norwegian.

Amid talk of Giroud seeking an exit from Arsenal over his lack of starts, his latest contribution will put pressure on manager Arsene Wenger to put him into his starting XI.

His record of four goals this season despite zero starts in the Premier League means he’s scored a goal every 63 minutes.

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