Giroud - Why that goal meant so much

By Lloyd Webb

Olivier Giroud says his goal against Manchester City “meant a lot” because it came after a difficult period.

The forward had gone 15 Premier League games without a goal before his 10th-minute strike at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Giroud also created Alexis’ goal with a deft flick, and the 29-year-old revealed his relief at finding top form once again.

“The goal meant a lot because it has been a tough time for me on the pitch as I have missed a bit of efficiency, a bit of luck and a lot of things,” he told Arsenal Player. “Things haven’t gone my way to [allow me to] finish, but I kept the faith and knew that it would come back.

“It is always nice for a striker to score, even more with an assist for Alexis’ second goal which was important. We now have our own destiny in our hands to finish third or maybe second.

“These last few weeks I tried to set up goals. [Alexis’ goal] was my sixth assist but I’m happy to score too and help the team to reach our target and qualify for the Champions League. That is a great present.

“We are a team and a group that makes the difference. We try to help each other do the job. We fight for each other and we have a good understanding.”