French striker Olivier Giroud scored one of the goals of the English Premier League season on New Year's Day.
French striker Olivier Giroud scored one of the goals of the English Premier League season on New Year's Day.
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Giroud's acrobatic back heel came in the 17th minute of a 2-0 victory for Arsenal over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
Giroud's acrobatic back heel came in the 17th minute of a 2-0 victory for Arsenal over Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
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Giroud's manager Arsene Wenger described his effort as a work of art. <br />"It was an exceptional goal, because it was at the end of a fantastic collective movement ..." Wenger said.<br />"After that, it was a reflex. Any goal-scorer is ready to take any part of his body, even if it's the little toe, to score a goal and Olivier had that kind of reflex. He transformed that goal, I would say, into art."
Giroud's manager Arsene Wenger described his effort as a work of art.
"It was an exceptional goal, because it was at the end of a fantastic collective movement ..." Wenger said.
"After that, it was a reflex. Any goal-scorer is ready to take any part of his body, even if it's the little toe, to score a goal and Olivier had that kind of reflex. He transformed that goal, I would say, into art."
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The Arsenal striker's goal comes hot on the heels of a similar strike by Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan in its win over Sunderland on December 26.
The Arsenal striker's goal comes hot on the heels of a similar strike by Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan in its win over Sunderland on December 26.
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After the game, Giroud was modest about his wonder goal. "I have maximum luck," the French international said.
After the game, Giroud was modest about his wonder goal. "I have maximum luck," the French international said.
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Giroud added: "I was off balance and I tried to deflect it -- in this position, you can't do something else. I've never done this before, so it's all about luck. It's a great feeling."
Giroud added: "I was off balance and I tried to deflect it -- in this position, you can't do something else. I've never done this before, so it's all about luck. It's a great feeling."
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Victory over Crystal Palace sees Arsenal moved up to third in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Chelsea.
Victory over Crystal Palace sees Arsenal moved up to third in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Chelsea.
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Giroud has scored seven goals in 19 appearances for Arsenal this season.
Giroud has scored seven goals in 19 appearances for Arsenal this season.
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Arsenal's next league game is against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Arsenal's next league game is against Bournemouth on Tuesday.
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