Arsene Wenger sees Olivier Giroud as Arsenal's 25-goal man

OLIVIER GIROUD would argue a striker's art is all in the timing.

Arsenal Everton Olivier GiroudOlivier Giroud rescues a point for Arsenal against Everton in their encounter at Goodison Park [REUTERS]

Criticised by Gary Lineker in midweek as not being good enough to take advantage of Arsenal's creativity, he was overlooked as Alexis Sanchez played through the middle on Saturday and, with the transfer deadline looming, has endured the incessant chatter over which new forward Arsene Wenger must sign.

His last-gasp header at Goodison Park arrived right on cue then, not only to rescue an unlikely point, but draw backing from his manager who claimed Giroud could become the 25-goal-a-season predator deemed a pre-requisite for sides chasing success.

"How sure are you he won't be that man?" said Wenger. "He scored 16 last season and what he demonstrated when he came on was very convincing.

"You never have to set limitations or targets for any player, but for me he is improving every year. I wouldn't rule out that he will get to 25 goals."

A leap from 16 Premier League goals to plundering 25 would represent quite an improvement for a player who thrashed a palatable chance over from close range within seconds of his introduction for the off-colour Alexis at half-time with Everton firmly in the ascendancy.

Yet Giroud, who departed wearing a protective boot on his left foot after tangling with Sylvain Distin, looks like being given the opportunity to try with Wenger playing down the prospect of recruiting another striker before the window closes.

Arsenal Everton Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring for Arsenal before Giroud equalised [GETTY]

I wouldn't rule out that he will get to 25 goals

Arsene Wenger

Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani have been coveted and the Arsenal manager was dismissive of the opportunity to sign Mario Balotelli, now on his way to Liverpool.

"He's been in England before," said Wenger of Balotelli. "And we have Sanogo, who will be important for me. We have Giroud. Joel Campbell can play as centre forward, Sanchez and Theo Walcott coming back too, don't forget.

"You don't put a pot of players together and bring in people just to have them there, it doesn't make sense.

"All our opponents have been looking for strikers as well and no one has found a world-class one available who is better than the one they have."

Arsenal trailed to first-half goals from Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith until the 83rd minute when Aaron Ramsey halved the deficit which Giroud wiped out when he profited from a mistake by Phil Jagielka to head home.

Trumpeting their powers of recovery, however, overlooks Everton's own role in carelessly squandering an advantage for the second successive week.

Wenger will recognise his side could have been further behind before clambering off the canvas, and an improvement will be required in their Champions League qualifier with Besiktas.

"It was a strong point for us," he said. "And a disappointing one for Everton."

Roberto Martinez's side had led until the closing minutes against Leicester on the opening weekend and whether it is due to mental or physical tiredness has seen four points slip through his players' grasp. Next up Chelsea.

The Everton manager ended debating a striker conundrum of his own with Samuel Eto'o and Danny Welbeck both under consideration as he endeavours to lift a squad set to find the going tougher than last season.

Eto'o remains a free agent and Welbeck could be available on loan after being told he can leave Manchester United.

"There is a lot of money involved in those two," said Martinez. "At the moment, if I am honest with you, I am looking at all the options."

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?