Martin Keown acknowledges that while there’s competition between Olivier Giroud and Alexandre Lacazette for a place in Arsenal’s starting line-up, it’s entirely healthy and good for both strikers.

Giroud started ahead of Lacazette for the first time this season on Wednesday evening against West Ham and although Arsene Wenger insists this was down to a groin problem Lacazette is carrying, it goes to show that the two Frenchman are still in direct competition.

“It’s a strange dynamic isn’t it,” Keown, who played 332 games for Arsenal, said.

“Lacazette doesn’t start for the national team but he starts for Arsenal and Giroud vice versa.

“I think there is a bit of healthy competition there, there’s respect. 

“But Olivier Giroud tonight (would be saying) ’yeah, when we play for the national team I’m the No 1 and I’m the No 1 for Arsenal as well and I’ll show you tonight’. 

“If he plays like that, then that position then becomes his.” 

The clash against the Hammers was Giroud’s first Premier League start of the season. The 31-year-old is usually brought on after the 62nd minute to act as a super-sub, which he does do a pretty good job of.

giroud west ham
(IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

Lacazette on the other hand has only completed 90 minutes twice so far this term. The 26-year-old, who’s netted eight goals this season, is often taken off for Giroud.

Having competition between your two main strikers is a good thing, especially considering they’re both scoring and getting game time. However, you have to feel for Lacazette, who Arsenal paid Lyon £52m for over the summer. I imagine the France international thought he was coming over to north London to be the main man and while he’s featured a lot, his confidence can’t be that high when he’s consistently being subbed.