After intricate link-up play between France international Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere, Giroud hooked an 85th-minute strike overhead and into the far corner took 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday.
But why is it that Jack and Olivier link up so well?
Here’s what Wilshere told Arsenal.com:
on Giroud’s goal…
Yes that was a special one. I was up there, it was a good move as well you know, me and Theo worked it well and it sort of fell to him and he’s got that natural instinct just not even in front of goal, around the goal just to try something outrageous and it seems to be coming off for him so I’m happy for him and it’s a big three points for us.
on having a good understanding…
I think he knows how I like to play and I know how he likes to play. He knows that I like to pick it up and drive at the defence and he always gives me an option when I pick the ball up he seems to hold position up well, he’s strong when he holds the ball up and we play off each other well. We did that again tonight with Theo and we’re happy, we came here we know the fans came a long way so we’re thankful to them and we wanted to give them something to cheer about after the weekend and we did so we’re happy.
on answering critics…
Yes I think so, I mean I said yesterday in our press conference I don’t think anyone can question our character, we showed that tonight, you know it’s a tough place to come I don’t think they’ve lost here this season, we knew that before the game and we knew that they were going to be up for it, of course they were, there fans were, it’s one of the most noises stadiums I’ve played in my career and of course they’re going to be up for it. They were well organised and they sat back and made us take the game to them when we had the ball and when they had the ball they caused us a few problems so we knew we were going to have to be ready and focused and the boss said at half time as well just keep playing keep playing because spaces are opening up and they did, we got the win so we’re happy.
on how much the young players will learn from playing in that environment…
It’s only a good thing. I remember when I was 18 or 19, we came to Partizan Belgrade and we won 3-1. It was a massive learning curve for me, so I’m sure they’re going to take stuff from this. I thought they were both outstanding, both of the starting boys and the boys that came on. But especially the boys that started. It’s a tough ask for them to come here, they’re only young, Reiss is just 17. So he’s playing in a position he’s not used to as well and he’s getting better and better. First half, I thought he was outstanding and Joe is the player who can win the ball back in their half and our half. He’s fit, he gets around the pitch and that’s massively important for this team. Going forward in this competition they’re going to learn and grow and be big players for us.
on having nine points already and whether they’re looking to the next stage…
When the draw happened, we knew we had enough quality to get out of this group. But it’s alright saying it, you have to go out there and do it. Away games like this and Borisov – we’ve got a bit to go still, but hopefully it can be done by then – it’s tough to come here. We knew we should qualify but we’ve still got to come to these places and do it and we’re happy with that. But it’s not done yet and we’ve got another three games. The next is at home and we look forward to playing at home.
