The France international striker found himself back on the bench as the Gunners traveled to Old Trafford, but still made a telling contribution to an eagerly-anticipated Premier League encounter.
Fourth the real goal for United
With Arsenal trailing 1-0 with 17 minutes remaining, Arsene Wenger turned to his most direct attacking option.
Giroud was introduced to offer a physical presence to the Gunners’ front line, while also providing a threat in the air.
United was ultimately unable to contain him as he netted a dramatic 89th-minute equalizer – rising highest six yards from goal to power home a pinpoint cross from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Afterwards, Giroud took the opportunity to relax in the presence of a couple of Premier League legends.
Beckham is unlikely to have had too many kind words for the 30-year-old front man, as an Old Trafford favorite and Manchester United supporter.
Pires, though, appears to have appreciated the efforts of a fellow countryman, with the smile on the former Arsenal forward’s face a little less forced than the one Becks was able to muster.
To be fair to the former England captain, he was surrounded by Gunners, with Santi Cazorla – who is currently nursing an Achilles injury - also getting in on the act.
