ARSENAL WAITANDIKA WEST HAM GOLI 3 KWA 1

The through pass was long, hopeful, yet somehow Olivier Giroud turned it into a gift from above.
Here it all was. The reason he polarises opinion; the reason even Arsenal’s most committed followers cannot decide whether he is the future of this team or the burden around its neck.
In the first half, Giroud missed a chance with a finish that was the epitome of powder puff. His critics groaned their I-told-you-sos, his champions shuffled awkwardly and looked at the floor. In the 55th minute the roles reversed.
Giroud supporters buoyant, the critics a little embarrassed. Had Thierry Henry scored such a goal, we wouldn’t hear the last of it. As it came from the boot of Giroud, some will take it as proof a world-class striker exists within the No 12 shirt, others will cry fluke and percentages.
Arsenal’s striker is always going to score goals, they will counter. Think of the chances he gets. True, but even so Giroud has 20 goals this season. That is none too shabby, no matter the service.

Job done: Lukas Podolski fires home the third goal of Arsenal's 3-1 victory over West Ham on Tuesday night

Back of the net: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud fires the Gunners 2-1 ahead against West Ham on Tuesday night

On the scoresheet: Giroud kisses the Arsenal badge after giving his side the lead in the second half

All smiles: Podolski and Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny celebrate the important victory

Lukas Podolski was the main goalscorer of the night, with Arsenal’s first and third, but Giroud’s was crucial - the one that put Arsenal’s noses in front, the one that propelled them above Everton in fourth place, albeit  temporarily perhaps. It was also a cracker.
After another poor West Ham clearance - Arsenal’s first two goals began that way - Thomas Vermaelen pumped a high ball back into the penalty area. Giroud had Andy Carroll and Winston Reid around him but somehow fought the burly pair off and shaped to receive what in the loosest sense was now a through pass. He killed it and finished in two deft movements, leaving goalkeeper Adrian powerless.
It really was magnificent stuff. Those who recalled the miss in the first half would not have reconciled it with the same player.
Arsenal began in an FA Cup semi-final stupor but by the end were completely in control. Confirmation of an important victory came with 12 minutes remaining and Giroud was involved in the build-up there, too.
It was his cross, a little wild in fact, that was headed back into the area by substitute Aaron Ramsey and fell at the feet of Podolski. His finish was expert. This is the man many of Giroud’s detractors would have performing for Arsenal down the middle. He did the cause no harm at all last night, yet Giroud’s 20 goals mean he is likely to remain.
If Arsenal fail to make it to fourth that decision is sure to be blamed for the misstep into the Europa League next season; if Arsenal hold off Everton from here - and Crystal Palace visit Goodison Park tonight, so that is unlikely short term - Giroud’s fan club will cite the influence of their man. He is a good talking point. There is no escaping, however, that Arsenal need more than a conversation piece.

Leveller: Podoslki fires the ball past Winston Reid to equalise for Arsenal just before half-time

Sweet connection: Podolski watches his shot rocket past Reid and sail into the corner of the net

Brave: Wideman Matt Jarvis heads West Ham into a shock lead following Antonio Nocerino's initial effort

Opener: Nocerino (left) celebrates with Jarvis as the Hammers took the lead against Arsene Wenger's side

Hot pursuit: Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna attempts to catch up with West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame