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Oli in Roud health

Thierry Henry: Olivier Giroud coming off the bench for Arsenal can propel them to overdue Premier League title

Gunners legend believes every team needs as super-sub to win the top flight and Arsene Wenger has the perfect player

ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry says the Gunners can finally end their long wait for a Premier League title... if they keep Olivier Giroud on the bench.

French forward Giroud, 30, was the catalyst for Arsenal's 4-1 win over Sunderland at the weekend, netting two goals with his first touches to put Arsene Wenger's side back in front.

 Olivier Giroud should remain in a bench role for the good of the team, says Thierry Henry
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Olivier Giroud should remain in a bench role for the good of the team, says Thierry HenryCredit: Reuters

In recent weeks - including the game at the Stadium of Light - Gunners boss Wenger has opted to start Chilean star Alexis Sanchez in a central role, leaving Giroud on the bench.


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And North London club legend Henry is adamant that is best for the club - as every title-winning squad has a goal-getting super-sub.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Henry said: "[Giroud] can be a plan B, but I don't know if he's going to be happy coming off the bench; but I think you win a title like that.

 Olivier Giroud was the difference as Arsenal beat Sunderland on Saturday
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Olivier Giroud was the difference as Arsenal beat Sunderland on SaturdayCredit: Reuters

"[Manchester] United had [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer and [Teddy] Sheringham, [Edin] Dzeko for [Manchester] City, we had Sylvain Wiltord so can he accept that to do that?

"We know the boss, Arsene Wenger, now likes to play with Alexis Sanchez inside and he came on and did the job and he did it very well."

Henry added that Giroud's aerial prowess - following his stunning looped effort on Saturday - can be a massive boost for Arsenal, providing a dimension lacking from starter Sanchez's game.

 Arsene Wenger may choose to continue with Alexis Sanchez up front
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Arsene Wenger may choose to continue with Alexis Sanchez up frontCredit: Getty Images

He said: "He's amazing in the air and that gives you another option.

"If you can have Sanchez in the middle and him coming off the bench or sometimes maybe you start him and Sanchez goes back outside or Sanchez goes around him but there's more difficult because you're playing Mesut Ozil.

"I think you have a different option but that's great for the boss."

 Olivier Giroud netted two goals with his first two touches on Saturday off the bench
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Olivier Giroud netted two goals with his first two touches on Saturday off the benchCredit: Reuters

Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, behind leaders Man City only on goal difference.

They next face Ludogorets in the Champions League on Tuesday night, before tackling north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday in the league.

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