Arsenal news: Olivier Giroud talks of his toughest ever start to a season at Arsenal

The Arsenal striker tells French press about his struggles this season after being demoted to fringe player at the Emirates Stadium

Charlie Doris
Tuesday 08 November 2016 14:25 GMT
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Olivier Giroud has scored three goals in nine appearances for Arsenal this season
Olivier Giroud has scored three goals in nine appearances for Arsenal this season (getty )

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Olivier Giroud admits that he is going through his toughest spell as an Arsenal player after falling out of favour with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

The France international, who joined the Gunners in 2012, has seen his first team opportunities become rather limited this season with Wenger opting to use Alexis Sanchez as the Gunners first choice centre forward.

Sanchez has been in red hot form for Arsenal scoring eight goals in all competitions and his move into the centre has also brought the best out of Mesut Ozil, who is currently in the form of his career.

Arsenal suddenly look more cohesive and dangerous as an attacking unit and Giroud is the player who has been sacrificed to make it happen.

"Yes, that is possible,” Giroud told L’Equipe, when asked if this his toughest start to a season.

"When I look from the stands at Arsenal, a team that plays well and made a very good start to the season, it seems my train leaves without me and I must not get too far behind.”

A slow start to the season proved costly for the Frenchman who went five games without scoring before being sent off in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League earlier this campaign.

But, Wenger has loyally stuck by Giroud in the past when many others continously criticised the Frenchman’s inconsistencies in front of goal which gives the Frenchman an indication of how highly his manager rates him.

Giroud has come back into the fold in Arsenal’s last couple of games and scored a brace in Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Sunderland before netting the Gunners’ second during their 3-2 comeback win over Ludogorets in the Champions League.

The 30-year-old proved in those two games that he can offer Arsenal something different with his physicality and will be ready when called upon by Wenger.

His recent form has even convinced France manager Didier Deschamps to include Giroud in his squad for upcoming fixtures against Sweden and Ivory Coast.

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