FA Cup

Arsene Wenger: Olivier Giroud is "difficult to handle"

By Liam Power, Reporter | 27 January 2013

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger thinks that Olivier Giroud all the qualities required to become a complete centre-forward in English football following his FA Cup brace against Brighton.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he has been delighted with Olivier Giroud's recent upturn in form and credited the striker's strong second-half performance against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

Giroud made it four goals in his last two games with a brace in the 3-2 success at Brighton to take the French striker's tally for the season to 13 goals in all competitions.

Wenger told the club's official website: "When Giroud gets into fighting mode it is difficult to handle him. This guy is tall, strong and quicker than people think he is. He has good finishing as well.

"He could have played in England 20 years ago, 10 years ago and today. He is all you need to play as a centre forward; a physical presence. He gives us something different. I believe with him and Theo Walcott we have a good blend. Without him today it would have been difficult.

"I knew before the game [it would be a test of character]. But we responded well I must say, especially in the second half."

Giroud has formed a potent three-man attack with Walcott and Lukas Podolski in the last week, with the trio scoring eight times in Arsenal's last three competitive matches.