Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hails Olivier Giroud's physical influence after scrappy win

 
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Tom Dutton29 December 2013

Arsene Wenger hailed the bullish influence of Olivier Giroud after Arsenal scraped past Newcastle at St James’ Park to return to the top of the Premier League.

Olivier Giroud's 11th goal of the season ensured the Gunners leapfrogged Manchester City in the standings and after the game Wenger underlined the more physical qualities Giroud brings to north London.

"That is what you need in a team,” the 64-year-old told Sky Sports.

"He has these qualities, that of course is very important.

"We are small and technical...so to have a player up front to counterbalance that is important."

The hosts pushed hard at the end and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny nearly handed them a freak point.

The Pole blasted a clearance straight at Loic Remy which saw the ball run just wide of the post with time running down

And Wenger admitted his side conceded the initiative in the dying moments as they sat deep and invited pressure but praised the mental strength to come through it unscathed.

He added: "We were quite in control.

"After that we subconsciously only wanted to defend."

"There is something in the team that is special on that front, on the mental front.

"We have many times been questioned, but we have shown that at West Ham, where we were 1-0 down, we have shown that again today, where we were a bit backs-to-the-wall in the last 15 minutes.

"There's a great solidarity and a great spirit in the side."

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