Champions League

[monks data]

- | -

Nov 21, 2012 at 7.45pm UK

Arsenal
2-0
Montpellier Montpellier HSC

Olivier Giroud pleased with assists

By Matt Cotton, Reporter | 22 November 2012

Olivier Giroud is happy with his performance against his old club Montpellier as Arsenal earned qualification to the next round of the Champions League.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is happy with his assists during his side's win over Montpellier HSC in the Champions League.

The Frenchman created goals for Jack Wilshere and Lukas Podolski in the Gunners' 2-0 win over his former club, which helped them advance to the knockout stages of the competition.

Giroud has been in goalscoring form as of late but admitted that he didn't mind playing the role of the provider on Wednesday night.

"The result is positive and we've qualified," said Giroud. "We had a lot of trouble getting into the match. Technically we weren't sound enough to begin with. Montpellier gave it a go without unduly worrying us and we stayed focused and kept playing our football.

"We were able to accelerate after half-time and it's good to have won. I'm happy to have contributed two assists. For the first, I sensed Thomas Vermaelen was going to cross to the far post so I dropped deep, saw Jack Wilshere arriving alone around the penalty spot and just had to win the ball in the air.

"For the second, I know Lukas likes to play it into me and then get on his bike, so I saw there was the possibility to play it up in the air. He produced a beautiful finish and it's great for the fans and for us. I had a chance later with my right foot. I should have lifted my shot but Geoffrey Jourdren made a very good save. I didn't score against my old team-mates but I was effective against them nevertheless."

Arsenal make the trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.