Giroud - Assist good for my confidence

By Lloyd Webb

Olivier Giroud says claiming an assist in Saturday's 1-0 win against Norwich City will boost his confidence.

The striker teed up substitute Danny Welbeck to volley past John Ruddy just before the hour mark, as the Gunners secured an important three points at Emirates Stadium.

Giroud’s last Premier League goal came back in January during the 3-3 draw with Liverpool, but the Frenchman believes he is close to rediscovering his form.

“It is always nice for a striker to score or assist a team-mate,” he told Arsenal Player. “I’m pleased to be back, not on the scoresheet but on the assist sheet.

“I’m used to playing for my team-mates and I try to help them when I can. If I cannot finish the work, I try to play for them. This one reminded me of another goal, it was like Theo’s against Leicester.

“I try to play with my first instinct and be efficient, but even if I didn’t score I’m pleased with that assist and I will try to keep working. I will work hard to get the confidence back and the goals as well."

Arsenal were frustrated by a well-drilled Norwich side for long stretches, and Giroud says it was important the hosts didn’t let their heads drop while searching for a goal.

“We are very pleased with the three points because it was not a fantastic game from the team,” he said. “The thing is, we never give up and we trust in our game until the end.

“We could have scored more, and we played a team who are fighting to not go down. We knew it was going to be a tough game and we expected that. We are very pleased to win this game because it was not easy but we have to do much better.”