Olivier Giroud has thanked a “helping hand from destiny” after inadvertently using his arm while bundling in Arsenal’s opening goal last night in the 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich.
The France forward came off the bench to steer home Santi Cazorla’s free kick in the 77th minute - a goal aided by the failure of Manuel Neuer, the Bayern goalkeeper, to deal with the delivery.
Giroud, who has started mainly on the bench for the London club this term after some inconsistent displays, was grateful for a little bit of fortune as he made it three goals in his last four appearances.
“I’ve had a bit more luck than in recent weeks, so I’m making the most of it. For a striker, it always works in cycles and I know that. You can’t start doubting yourself,” Giroud said.
“All the qualities are there - I just needed a helping hand from destiny, and tonight it worked out in my favour. It’s certainly not my most beautiful goal but it’s one of the most important.”
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Arsenal kept at bay Robert Lewandowski, Bayern’s in-form Polish striker who has already scored 22 goals this season, and Per Mertesacker, the home side’s vice captain, praised his team-mates’ collective discipline.
“I think that was a team effort. It was difficult for him [Lewandowski],” Mertesacker said. “He always tried to come a bit deeper to get the ball and get into the holes. I think he had a great chance in the second half but we have a great goalkeeper [Petr Cech] for him.”