Ludogorets vs Arsenal: Olivier Giroud happy to bide his time in battle to win place back from Alexis Sanchez

Giroud came off the bench on Saturday to score twice and help Arsenal beat Sunderland, but he says he is happy to wait as long as the team is still winning

Tuesday 01 November 2016 08:14 GMT

Olivier Giroud insists he is happy to wait to win his place back in the Arsenal first team (Getty)

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud says he is prepared to wait patiently for his opportunities as he bids recapture a spot in Arsene Wenger's starting line-up after losing his place while recovering from injury.

Winger Alexis Sanchez has shone in the central striker's role during Giroud's absence with a toe injury and has scored eight goals in 13 appearances this season.

Frenchman Giroud, however, gave a reminder of his own goalscoring prowess when he came off the bench to notch a match-winning brace in Saturday's Premier League victory over Sunderland.

"It's good to be back in contention," the 30-year-old Giroud told British media. "In every big club you have a lot of good strikers with different qualities and the team has been doing very well since the start of the season.

"I've hoped to come back in and I've worked hard in training to do so but I'm happy as long as the team are winning and I've seen we have good cohesion as a side. So I'm not questioning myself too much about my place.

"I just need to play more and keep training well and show I'm in good form. That's what I always try and bring to the team... I'm just concentrating on what I have to do on the pitch. My turn will come."

Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

David Ospina – 7 out of 10

A firm save denied Wanderson early on. Was called into action more than he would’ve liked as Koscielny and Mustafo put him under pressure, but again he held firm and justified Arsene Wenger’s faith in him in Europe this season.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Hector Bellerin – 6 out of 10

Kept unusually quiet as he didn’t rampage forward as much as usual. He did link up with Walcott on occasion though which has been a key part of Arsenal’s attack down the right.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Shkodran Mustafi – 6 out of 10

Weak header put Ospina under needless pressure under the attentions of Cafu, and for once he wasn’t as assertive as we’ve seen in his short time back in the Premier League. Still, a clean sheet will always be welcome.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Laurent Koscielny – 7 out of 10

Uncharacteristic lapse in concentration allowed Cafu to steal in behind him and nearly nab the ball off Ospina. Made up for it in the second half though as his inch-perfect tackle released Cazorla who in turn sent Özil through for his first goal.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Kieran Gibbs – 6 out of 10

Ludogorets enjoyed success in the early stages through Cafu and Wanderson, and it was because they were able to isolate Gibbs. He struggled to protect the outside which allowed both to get a shot in and force Ospina to save.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Francis Coquelin – 6 out of 10

Supposed to sit deep in an effort to protect the back four, but was guilty of going wondering in the first half as Arsenal pressed forward in numbers. Much more disciplined in the second half, though that was made easier by those taking centre stage in front of him.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Santi Cazorla – 7 out of 10

Was able to play a more advanced role with Coquelin beside him. Beautiful pass to release Özil for the fourth goal, and it proved to be his last contribution as he was replaced by Mohamed Elneny. Had his Achilles iced afterwards, which will be a worry.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Theo Walcott – 8 out of 10

It’s a wonder why he didn’t shoot when one-on-one with the goalkeeper inside 10 minutes, with his pass across goal instead resulting in a clearance. He more than made up for it though when Özil found him outside the area and he unleashed a lovely curling effort that beat Stoyanov for the second goal. Given a standing ovation when he departed on the hour for Lucas.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Mesut Özil – 9 out of 10

Always looked to release Walcott and Sanchez as Arsenal’s devastating trio struck again. Claimed the first hat-trick of his professional career as Arsenal stretched their legs in the second half. His final goal was particularly well taken as he struck a left-footed first time effort through Stoyanov.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 out of 10

Disappointing was an understatement in the first half, as he wasted a simple two-on-one chance with Walcott before repeatedly losing possession. Managed to put it behind him though with the third goal just 90 seconds after the break, and it settled his nerves as he began to click with those around him.

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Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings

Alexis Sanchez – 8 out of 10

Showed calmness on the ball to spot Stoyanov off his line and chip the ball over his head for the opener and bag his sixth goal of the season. Proved to be a constant problem for the Ludogorets pairing of Moti and Palomino at the back as he ran with pace from deep. Replaced by Alex Iwobi with little over 15 minutes remaining.

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Arsenal travel to face Bulgarian side Ludogorets in the Champions League on Tuesday night before hosting bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the league five days later.

Reuters

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