Giroud - I like the big-game pressure

Olivier Giroud is not concerned about cup final nerves - because he believes he plays better under pressure.

The France striker has scored 22 times this season and, with three goals in his last five appearances, is bang in form ahead of Saturday's Wembley showpiece.

The significance of the FA Cup final can cause tension among players but Giroud is confident that he - and his Arsenal team-mates - will rise above it.

"Maybe because it's a final there is always a bit more pressure," he told Arsenal Player.

"But I'm used to having [pressure] on my shoulders and I'm OK with the pressure and I like it. I want to transform it into motivation and determination.

"We know what we have to do to win this cup and we all focus on the same targets and the same goal. We really want it.

"We feel really excited because the final is a special moment for a player and especially for the club and for the fans as well. We have been waiting for a trophy for nine years now so we really want to win it for all the Gunners."

Giroud has led from the front as Arsenal recovered from their spring setbacks with five consecutive victories. And he feels in excellent shape ahead of Saturday's clash with Hull City.

"I think I'm quite fit so I feel good in my body," said Giroud. "Even if I have the World Cup after the season it was a great season for me and I don't feel tired because we have a really exciting finish and I look forward to it.

"We have had a good answer on the pitch, a good response after our defeat against Everton. We were conscious that we had some things to correct.

"We did well in these last games and we have a lot of confidence for this final, but we really want to start the game on the front foot because we really respect Hull City.

"We are confident but you know it's one game so we have to be cautious, focus on our game and carry on what we have done well in these last weeks."