Goalless on Thursday evening, Olivier Giroud has now only managed to find the back of the net in one of his last 19 appearances.

The French striker has netted on international duty too in that time but, for the Gunners, two goals against Hull City are the only time he’s been on the scoresheet since the middle of January.

A start on Thursday evening was a chance to impress but, ultimately, Giroud just didn’t deliver. Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger thinks the lack of goals is a reason for Giroud’s poor all-around performance.

“Of course it’s affecting him,” the manager said after the game. Tonight he hit the head of the keeper and at the moment he looks for a goal.”

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An Arsenal win but another goalless game for Olivier Giroud. (GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)

Giroud really struggled to have an impact on the game against West Brom but, in fairness, it was his first start in over a month. Finding the back of the net soon would undoubtedly do the Frenchman the world of good.

It is now just one appearance in 19 which has seen him found the back of the net but nine of those appearances have been from the bench. It’s not an excuse but the record becomes a little less terrible when you consider that.

Sunderland are next up for Arsenal on Sunday and Danny Welbeck will be hoping to be reinstated in the starting 11. Fortunately for him, Giroud didn’t manage to stake much of a claim when given the chance.