Giroud keen to take next step

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud feels ready to take his game to another level.

Last Updated: 17/12/12 at 08:06 Post Comment   

OIivier Giroud: Looking to move to the next level

OIivier Giroud: Looking to move to the next level

The France international looks set to return from a back problem to boost the Gunners' attacking options for Monday night's trip to Premier League strugglers Reading.

Giroud took some time to settle following his summer move from Montpellier, where he had been Ligue 1's joint top-scorer last season to help his team win an historic first championship.

The 26-year-old has produced some consistent performances despite not scoring since the 5-2 win over Tottenham on November 17, and is hungry to continue his improvement.

"It has been an interesting few months, but now I want to do more - I am an Arsenal player and rightly expectations are high," Giroud said in an interview with the official Arsenal matchday programme.

"I am trying to do what the boss asks of me, to put pressure on defenders and to improve on protecting and holding the ball.

"We put a lot of good crosses in, so it is important that I get on the end of them and score.

"I am feeling better and better in this team all the time - I know my team-mates now and things are more automated on the pitch, which makes things easier for me."

Arsene Wenger takes his beleaguered squad to Madejski Stadium in need of a confidence boost following the shock penalty shoot-out defeat at npower League Two Bradford.

Despite their inconsistencies, Arsenal remain within striking distance of the top four, and could close up to just two points behind Tottenham and Chelsea with victory tonight over a Reading side who have lost five games in a row and prop up the table.

Wenger accepts the atmosphere has been somewhat subdued at Arsenal's Hertfordshire training base this week, but maintains it is now up to the players to show their strength of character.

"We can only look at ourselves, get on with it and look for the future," he said.

"The situation is not comfortable, but one which can be reversed very quickly - and that will be down to the quality of our performances.

"I have big faith in this group and this is a good opportunity to show we have the mental strength and resolute attitude to change things."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved