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Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud sends Twitter into meltdown after scoring outrageous scorpion kick against Crystal Palace

Olivier Giroud has often been criticised for a supposed lack of athleticism but the Arsenal striker showed it in great abundance on Sunday afternoon with a remarkable 'scorpion kick' goal against Crystal Palace.

Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan made headlines on Boxing Day with a similar effort against Sunderland but Giroud went one better against Sam Allardyce's struggling Eagles at the Emirates.

After winning the ball just outside their own box, Arsenal broke with pace through Alex Iwobi and Alexis Sanchez, who swung in a speculative cross which appeared slightly out of Giroud's reach.

Olivier Giroud scored an outrageous scorpion kick in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace
Olivier Giroud scored an outrageous scorpion kick in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace
The French striker connected with Alexis Sanchez's cross to fire the Gunners ahead on Sunday
The French striker connected with Alexis Sanchez's cross to fire the Gunners ahead on Sunday

However, the Frenchman showed great awareness and technique to connect with the ball using his left heel - sending the ball crashing in off the crossbar with even himself surprised at the final outcome.