Olivier Giroud netted what many believe is the goal of the Premier League season so far in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.
The French international expertly guided Alexis Sanchez’s cross into the net by flicking the ball over his head with his heel towards goal, hitting the bar on its way past the despairing Wayne Hennessey.
Alex Iwobi made it two 11 minutes into the second half to secure the three points for Arsene Wenger’s side, but in what was a largely scrappy affair at the Emirates, it will always be remembered for Giroud’s moment of brilliance.
The 30-year-old afterwards said he was a ‘bit lucky’ to net the ‘best’ goal of his career, while his manager suggested that it was up there alongside strikes from Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp as the best he’s seen while in charge of the Gunners.
Unsurprisingly, many took to Twitter to express their disbelief at Giroud’s wonder goal on New Year’s Day…
Great start to the new year with an absolute wonder goal by Giroud! Should have scored a few more but happy enough with the win #COYG
— Thomas (@ThomasAFC_) January 1, 2017
Quality reaction in the ground to Giroud's goal today genuine wonder and appreciation good to see
— AFCPaul (@AFCGoonerPaul) January 1, 2017
While many drew comparisons with the goal scored by Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Boxing Day, although many believe that Giroud’s was a better finish…
If you say Mkhitaryan's scorpion is better than Giroud's then you know nothing about football
— Oliver (@OliBrown98) January 2, 2017
For the record, Giroud's goal was better than Mkhitaryan's. Both things of rare beauty but Giroud edges it for build-up and final execution.
— David Firth (@davefirth) January 2, 2017
If Mkhitaryan can.. then why not Olivier Giroud.. Even better.. Goal of the season.. #coyg
— Aswin Dev (@calicutgooner) January 2, 2017
Yet a few suggested that the comparisons were needless, and that each goal should be respected and admired for what it is…
Watched Giroud's scorpion kick. I'd also watched Mkhitaryan's wonder strike last week. Better off not comparing both–they're all good goals
— Kwezi Tabaro (@Kwezi_Tabaro) January 2, 2017
Both Mkhitaryan & Giroud scorpion goals are superb. Lets all agree on that and stop this comparison nonsense.
— +138 (@newsteddddd) January 2, 2017
While some have speculated that Giroud’s finish is already the goal of the season, despite there still being 190 games to play…
Give Giroud the best goal of the season award already ! No one can beat that this season !
— Ope (@ItzPman) January 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/JGracechild/status/815616351108820994