Arsenal are 'stronger mentally' this season claims Olivier Giroud, but title talk too early

The Gunners beat Everton 2-1 and sit joint top of the table

Monday 26 October 2015 08:40 GMT
Comments

Olivier Giroud opens the scoring

 Olivier Giroud opens the scoring
 (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal are on a four-game winning streak in the Premier League but forward Olivier Giroud says it is too early in the season to focus on their title bid.

After 10 games, the Gunners are currently second in the table with 22 points, behind leaders Manchester City on goal difference, and have conceded just eight goals.

Giroud won back his place in the starting line-up in Saturday's 2-1 win over Everton and the France international seems to have found his goalscoring touch after an inconsistent start to the season.

He scored six goals in his last seven appearances for club and country.

"I don't want to look too far forward because we need to keep it up and carry on this momentum. It's only the 10th game in the league so we've got 28 to go, so it's a bit early," Giroud told the club's website.

The 29-year-old said Arsenal's fighting mentality will be crucial if they are to lift the league trophy for the first time since 2004.

"I think we are stronger mentally this year," Giroud said.

"We are all fighting for each other. We have a great togetherness and we want to achieve big things altogether. We are showing a lot of leadership.

"We are all looking in the same direction and we know we need to be 100 per cent in every game. If someone is a bit tired then someone else will battle and fight for each other. That's the mentality we need to show through the season."

Injured midfielder Jack Wilshere feels Arsenal need not sign any players in the January transfer window as the squad is strong enough to compete for top honours.

"I don't think so," the 23-year-old said when asked if the club need to strengthen the squad in January.

"Defensively we look good. We've got Gabriel who has really grown up. Last season, he was settling in. He is really suited to the Premier League.

"We've also got myself and Danny Welbeck who should be back round January and make the team stronger."

Arsenal will hope to keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top when they travel to Swansea City on Saturday.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in