Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has hit back at Thierry Henry, who said the Gunners would not win the Premier League with Olivier Giroud as their main striker.
Arsenal legend Henry last week claimed that the Gunners need to buy a striker of real quality if they’re to win their first Premier League title since 2005. His comments came after Giroud drew a blank in Arsene Wenger’s side’s stalemate with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium – a result which saw the Blues go within two games of being crowned champions.
Frenchman Giroud has netted 14 Premier League goals for Arsenal this season, but Henry believes his former club need to splash the cash on a forward this summer.
He said: “They need a goalkeeper, they still need a centre-back, they still need a holding midfielder and, I’m afraid, they need a top, top quality striker to win this league again.”
However, Giroud’s team-mate Coquelin, who has been a revelation in the Gunners midfield this term, has leapt to the defence of his compatriot, claiming the striker is worthy of his place in the first team.
The 23-year-old told RMC: “Thierry Henry is wrong. Giroud shows his potential every week.
“He showed that he has the level to be the Arsenal striker, and we can win titles with him.
“We are disappointed with the result against Chelsea because we were on a good run.
“Now the target is to focus on the end of the championship, win all the remaining matches to get this second place, and of course win the FA Cup final.”
The eagle eyes at high-flying Chelsea have launched a bargain bid for Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann – while Rafa Benitez heads for summit talks in Naples.
Whilst Henry believes Arsenal need a striker who will score more goals, Giroud also commented on his prowess in front of goal – stating the he wishes people would speak more about his ability on the pitch rather than his latest hairstyle.
“I don’t want to speak any more about my appearance, my hair or anything, I get p****d about that.
“I know one thing, in sport you have to question yourself every week and be ready in your head and you have to be at 100 per cent of determination if you want to keep going and win games, you cannot afford to be at 80 or 90 per cent.”
