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Olivier Giroud was given his first start for Chelsea this weekend, versus West Brom. It was very odd to see the suave Frenchman wearing blue and sharing the pitch with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard.
Also strange was the conflicting emotions. On one hand, Giroud was a class act for Arsenal and it would be great to see him excel on the pitch. However, if that means he’s helping Chelsea, then I’d rather see him struggle.
I noticed that Giroud was trending on Twitter so I decided to see what fans had to say about the former Gunner. As it turns out, opinions were all over the place.
Many Chelsea fans were singing the praises of their new striker:
The biggest winner of this Transfer Window is Olivier Giroud, he finally gets to play with a baller and not that Chilean doggy shagger
— [ ] (@AdvancedWinger) February 12, 2018
He’s running around like he wants to score, playing one-twos with Hazard and bleeding from his head.
— Chris Bourbar (@_barebour) February 12, 2018
Olivier Giroud has become a gorgeous Diego Costa and I’m all for it.
Really good home debut Giroud. I love him already
— Roger Federer 20 (@RayBradleyCFC) February 12, 2018
Giroud deserves that standing ovation. Has played like a warrior. Morata has a lot to fill in tonight.
— ALEX (@imBulger) February 12, 2018
Others were not so enamored with Giroud despite watching the same match:
#Giroud has been woeful #Chelsea #chewba #arsenal
— gee singh (@geesingh1) February 12, 2018
Arsenal mugged us, Giroud’s been horrendous.
— Mohamed Abadi (@MohamedAbadi) February 12, 2018
Of course there were many Arsenal fans showing support for their former player:
I hate when Chelsea fans act like they love Giroud more than I do
— Myne (@MyneNanana) February 12, 2018
I miss Olivier Giroud
— Loyal Goonerette ⚽️ (@TaZRahman7) February 12, 2018
Arsenal fans are celebrating a Giroud assist. I love it!!
— I stan Mesut (@hawt_red) February 12, 2018
It shouldn’t be a surprise that there were plenty of moaning Arsenal fans who were not feeling nostalgic for the Frenchman:
Arsenal fans tweeting bout missing Giroud are embarrassing. Especially the men. He was garbo man
— Gomez Savage (@GomezApe_) February 12, 2018
Never seen a bang average striker like Giroud get so much praise, amazing what propaganda can do, worst first choice striker for Arsenal under arsene Wenger. Chelsea have been 10times better since Giroud got subbed off.
— Emilus (@naijaGunner90) February 12, 2018
Overall, Giroud had an eventful day. He assisted on Eden Hazard’s first goal, attempted another scorpion kick, had to have his head bandaged up and received an ovation when he was taken off in the 61st minute.
This was, of course, only one game, and time will tell how things work out for Giroud at Chelsea. One thing’s for sure though, is he will always look better in red than blue.