03 January,2017 08:48 AM IST | | PA Sport
Wenger praises Giroud's world-class finish in Arsenal's 2-0 win vs Palace; says it's right among the special top-5 goals scored by Gunners' legends
Arsenal's Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal vs Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium in London on Sunday. Arsenal won 2-0. Pic/AFP
London: Arsene Wenger praised Olivier Giroud's finish as "art" after the striker scored what could prove the goal of the season in Arsenal's 2-0 defeat of Crystal Palace.
Meeting Alexis Sanchez's cross with a masterful and stylish scorpion kick that gave Arsenal the lead, Giroud's 17th-minute strike was of the calibre rarely achieved by predecessors Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie, and reminded Wenger of those who came before him.
Arsene Wenger
Alex Iwobi's second-half header secured all three points to ensure Arsenal remain third in the Premier League.
Ahead of today's fixture with Bournemouth, there was also little question the north London side are rediscovering their momentum and belief. "He transformed that goal into art," said Wenger, 67. "Art, because of the surprise, because of the beauty of the movement; the efficiency of the movement. That will be remembered as the Giroud goal that nobody will forget. Every striker is remembered for their special goals, and that will certainly remain with him forever. I've been spoilt in my career because I've had many great players and many great strikers, and that is certainly in the top five (goals from an Arsenal player)."
Giroud (in red) scores a stunner against Palace. Pic/Getty Images
Asked of the others in his top five, Wenger responded: "I remember Bergkamp, Henry, with special goals. Bergkamp at Leicester, Newcastle; Henry at Real Madrid, against Liverpool. (Nwankwo) Kanu at Chelsea. Maybe what's not acknowledged by people and by me, is that Olivier scores important goals," Wenger added.
