Jack Wilshere has no doubts that his teammate Olivier Giroud has been Arsenal's best player so far this season.

The Frenchman scored twice on Saturday as the Gunners moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League thanks to a 2-0 victory over Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

"Olivier has been really impressive, especially at the beginning of the season when everyone was saying that Suarez was coming in to take his place," Wilshere told reporters. "For someone playing in that position it would have been tough for him to lose his place, but he has shown great character and for me he's been our best player this season.

"He holds the ball up and brings others into play. He has learned that side of the game that the Premier League is tough and sometimes you have to push defenders off the ball.

"He works so hard, he has played nearly every game, but fair play to him because he keeps going and going. He has got a great physique and a great base of fitness. Hopefully he can continue that form."

Giroud now has 10 goals in all competitions this season.