Olivier Giroud’s opener in Arsenal’s 3-0 win was special.

The goal itself was very good, but not special. It was, however, the 2000th goal scored under manager Arsène Wenger since he took over in 1996.

In doing so, Giroud joined a mighty fine list of players to score landmark goals since the boss took over.

 

The first was scored by Ian Wright against Blackburn Rovers and the 50th by Tony Adams against Everton. Goals 100 and 500 by Marc Overmars (v Leeds United) and Thierry Henry (v Watford), before José Antonio Reyes bagged the 1000th versus Manchester City late in the 2005/06 season.

Laurent Koscielny and Joel Campbell took the tally to 2002, of which Henry scored 228, a staggering 11.4% of all the goals scored under Wenger so far. Olivier Giroud is now on 65 Arsenal goals since signing for the club in the summer of 2012, accounting for an impressive 3.2% of Arsenal goals since Wenger was appointed.

Only six players have scored more under Wenger than Giroud, including current player Theo Walcott (80). Robin van Persie (132) and Dennis Bergkamp (102) are the only players other than Henry to reach a century so far.

Wenger’s record also compares very favourably to the 20 years before he became manager.

Congratulations Arsène, here’s to the next 2000!