• Premier League

Arteta: Giroud and Podolski can't replace Van Persie

ESPN staff
August 28, 2012
Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud have failed to score in the opening two matches © Getty Images
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Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, claiming it is unfair to expect them to fill the void left by Robin van Persie.

Arteta, who joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day last season, was given the unenviable role of replacing skipper Cesc Fabregas after his fellow Spaniard joined Barcelona.

Arsenal have failed to score in their opening two Premier League matches as they were held to goalless draws by both West Brom and Stoke, and Arteta says it unfair on anyone to be asked to replace Van Persie, who opened his Manchester United account against Fulham on Saturday.

"You can't replace Robin. To do so is impossible because he's such a special player," Arteta said. "Manchester United went for him at the age of 29 -- what does that say?

"It says there aren't many bigger talents in the world. It doesn't matter who is brought in for Robin. You can't ask anyone to be as good as him."

Arteta believes the pair need to be given time to gel and has seen signs that the partnership can be a prolific one.

"We just need to give them time," Arteta said. "It's been two games. Olivier has started one game. It's not fair on him. It could all change for him, just like that.

"Last week, Olivier had a massive chance to win the game and he would have been the hero. Against Stoke, Lukas had a chance. He looked good on the left on Sunday, cutting in and causing problems. He had a couple of chances."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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