Arsene Wenger has lavished praise on Olivier Giroud after the Arsenal striker netted his fourth goal of the week in a 2-0 victory away to Aston Villa.
The 29-year-old converted a penalty inside the opening ten minutes to set the visitors on course for a comfortable win that saw them move to the top of the Premier League.
It was Giroud’s 50th Premier League goal in an Arsenal shirt, a tally he reached in just 113 appearances, fewer than Robin van Persie or Dennis Bergkamp. And it came just four days after an exceptional display in which the French striker scored a hat-trick to carry the Gunners through to the knockout stages.
Wenger labelled his striker one of the best in Europe earlier this week but has now suggested he does not get the praise he deserves in wider circles.
Aston Villa vs Arsenal - player ratings
Asked why this was Wenger said: “Because he does not have electric pace.
“He is more of a player who plays with his back to goal and brings other people in, so maybe he is spectacular individually with his runs without the ball. He is very efficient and a very important player for the team. He is also mentally very strong.”
With Giroud having netted his ninth league goal of the season, a tally bettered by only four others, Wenger is convinced that he will start to get the credit he deserves.
He said: “I believe he is at the top of his game and he is questioned sometimes. Finally, the numbers get people to realise he is a good player.”
“[With] Petr Cech they didn’t need [the numbers] but for Giroud [he needs it]. He has improved, his link play is better and when we have the option for a long ball he is a very interesting option.”
