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Tag: Olivier Giroud

  • Europa League: Giroud snatch late victory for Arsenal

    Europa League: Giroud snatch late victory for Arsenal

    Olivier Giroud on Thursday snatched a late victory for Arsenal as the Gunners defeated hosts Red Star Belgrade by a lone goal in an Europa League Group H encounter.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Arsenal beat 10-man Red Star Belgrade 1-0, thanks to Giroud’s acrobatic late goal in an intimidating atmosphere in Serbia.

    Both sides missed chances as Theo Walcott came close for Arsenal in the first half while Richmond Boaqye hit the woodwork at the other end and Petr Cech did well to keep out a Nemanja Radonjic effort.

    Roared on by their faithful supporters, Red Star kept going at a makeshift Arsenal side in the second half and Cech again rescued the visitors when he palmed over the bar a fierce Slavoljub Smic shot.

    Red Star goalkeeper Milan Borjan denied Reiss Nelson as Arsenal came forward in numbers in search of a winner.

    The much sort after goal came after the home side had left back Milan Rodic sent off for a second bookable offence in the 81st minute.

    The victory meant that Arsenal topped Group H with a maximum nine points from three games after returning to winning ways following their 2-1 defeat by Watford in the Premier League.

    BATE Borisov are second after beating Bundesliga side FC Koln, who have lost all three games in their first European campaign in 20 years.

    Real Sociedad hammered FK Vardar 6-0 with the help of four goals from Brazilian forward Willian Jose.

    Fellow LaLiga side Athletic Bilbao were left on the brink of elimination as they drew 2-2 at Swedish side, Oestersunds FK.

    A late goal from veteran striker Aritz Aduriz prevented a second consecutive defeat for the 2012 finalists, who are third in Group J on two points, four behind second-placed Zorya and five behind leaders Oestersunds. (NAN)

  • Giroud makes final three for Puskas award

    Giroud makes final three for Puskas award

     

    The final three nominees for the 2017 Puskas Award for the best goal scored over the past year have been confirmed.

    Deyna Castellanos and Oscarine Masuluke join Olivier Giroud in the final three nominations for this year’s Puskas award.

    Olivier Giroud’s scorpion kick for Arsenal against Crystal Palace has made the final three of FIFA’s 2017 Puskas award.

    Ten spectacular efforts were initially up for the prize, with the likes of Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic among those in contention, but the nominees have been whittled down.

    The Puskas Award  named after legendary Real Madrid and Hungary striker Ferenc Puskas  has also shined a light on some lesser-known players, though, with Mohd Faiz Subri of Malaysian club Penang the reigning champion.

    Goal has everything you need to know about this year’s contenders and voting process.

    The Puskas Award is a FIFA award given to the player judged to have scored the best goal of the past year.

    For the 2017 award, the period of eligibility is goals scored between October 1, 2016 to July 2, 2017.

    The award is supposed to reward the best goal scored “regardless of championship, gender or nationality” and the initial shortlist of 10 goals is decided by a group of experts — which this year comprises of Alan Shearer, Celia Sasic, Abby Wambach, Henrik Larsson and Predrag Mijatovic.

    The winner will be announced on Monday, October 23 at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London.

    This is also when the prizes such as the Men’s Player of the Year — which Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar are in the running for — will be presented.

    FIFA unveiled a list of 10 nominees in September, which was whittled down to a final three n October 9.

    The final three nominees are Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, South African goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke and Venezuela international Deyna Castellanos.

  • Giroud set for Arsenal extension

    Giroud set for Arsenal extension

     

    Olivier Giroud says he is close to reaching an agreement to a contract extension with Arsenal and hopes to “continue the adventure” at the Emirates Stadium.
    The 30-year-old France striker has returned to the side in recent weeks to score four goals in as many appearances.
    Giroud’s last-minute goal helped beat Preston in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, which came after he netted in stoppage time to secure a dramatic 3-3 comeback draw at Bournemouth just two days following his “scorpion kick” effort in the win over Crystal Palace.
    While still having around a year-and-a-half left on his current deal, the forward, signed from Montpellier in June 2012, hopes to soon tie-up his long-term future with the Gunners.
    In an interview with French broadcaster Telefoot, Giroud said: “We are about to reach an agreement for an extension (to my contract).
    “It was also a gesture of confidence, I want to continue the adventure here in this family of Arsenal. I feel good here.”
    Giroud added: “When I spoke to the coach, he always told me that I was an important player.
    “I know what I am capable of. I just needed to be patient, to work in training and wait for my hour to come.”
    Arsenal are also looking to negotiate new deals with key men Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.