Deadly Talisman Olivier Giroud Scores 10th Goal of the Season as AC Milan Easily Dispatch Roma 3-1

Olivier Giroud is one of those players that age like fine wine, as the French record goalscorer headed himself into double figures for AC Milan in Seria A this season with a masterful display against AS Roma. With both teams heading into this fixture at the back of a demoralising defeat at the Coppa Italia, they wanted to bounce back with a win, and it was AC Milan’s trio of Frenchmen who came out on top. Yacine Adil netted his first Milan goal before Olivier Giroud scored his tenth of the season with a simple header. After Paredes brought things back with a penalty, Giroud sealed Roma’s fate with a delightful backheel nutmeg assist to fellow countryman Theo Hernández.

37-Year-Old Olivier Giroud Averages Almost 1 Contribution per Game for AC Milan This Season

While he may not be putting up the numbers the 38-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is doing, Olivier Giroud has been the torch for Milan’s attack, especially after Brahim Díaz returned to his parent club, Real Madrid. For context, if we’re to disclude Giroud’s contribution to the Rossoneri in solely Seria A this season, AC Milan would have only scored 22 goals, one more than the amount they conceded.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Olivier Giroud’s 16-goal contributions (10 goals, six assists) in 17 appearances for the Rossoneri are keeping them within a shot of the title race. For example, in this match against Roma, Olivier Giroud was relatively quiet before his goal, but he was in the correct position at the right time to head in Simon Kjær’s nod back across the goal.

Then, as things were beginning to get rough for AC Milan, Giroud stepped up once again with a perfect backheel flick in behind onto the charging Theo Hernández, who laced his first-time shot in off the crossbar which Svilar had no chance with. It was another MOTM-worthy performance from the everlasting Frenchmen as he heads into second in the goalscoring chart and goals + assists chart behind Lautaro Martínez (18 goals, two assists).

Olivier Giroud Pleased with Response After Coppa Italia Exit

After their disappointing exit in the Coppa Italia at the hands of a red-carded coached Atalanta at home, Olivier Giroud felt pleased with what he saw from the team. “It was important to win to bounce back, we wanted to bounce back after Atalanta, we were very disappointed. There are still many games, we have to concentrate on our games, then there will be the Europa League. We never give up. I am proud of the spirit of the team we had today.”

As for his goal and assist, Giroud ran us through with compliments for his teammates. “Kjaer was good on my goal. I knew he would set me up. It wasn’t my most difficult goal, but I’m happy to have scored because it’s been a while since I scored at San Siro in the league. Me and Theo Hernández knew each other well. I knew he would go behind me, and I was a bit lucky because the ball passed under the opponent’s legs. Theo scored a great goal.”

As for the team’s title aspiration, Olivier Giroud said they could only do what they should do and rely on the teams in front of them to slip up. “We have to concentrate only on ourselves, thinking about one match at a time. Whoever goes slowly goes healthy and goes far. Then we hope that those in front make mistakes. It’s only the first match of the second half of the season.”

Also Read: Antonio Rüdiger’s Decisive Header in Real’s 1-0 Win Against Mallorca Ensures Real Stays First in La Liga

Europa League the Main Objective for AC Milan

With their exit from the Coppa Italia, elimination from the UEFA Champions League, and nine points off the pace with leaders Inter Milan, AC Milan’s hope for a trophy this season remains blim. However, they could be a light in the tunnel in the Europa League, as they will face 10th-place Rennes in the round of 32 next month.

Although they are by no means favourite, with Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen still awaiting in the latter stages, we have seen bigger underdog stories in the past. In addition, it would be in AC Milan’s best interest to put all their focus on the Europa League as you could obtain a spot in next season’s Champions League while also lifting the Europa League this season. It is a much better deal than leaving your fates in your opposition’s hands.

To catch footballing news across this busy period, follow AsiaSport for daily updates and high-definition highlights of your favourite leagues and tournaments, such as the AFC Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations happening right now.