Francis Coquelin has hailed Olivier Giroud’s character after he scored twice at Sunderland on Saturday.
The France international is back to full fitness after a toe injury that kept him out for a month, netting twice after stepping off the bench at the Stadium of Light.
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“Oli is a strong character - every time people from outside doubt him, he always responds in a good way,” Coquelin told Arsenal Player.
“I am really pleased for him. He has been working really hard to get back to full fitness and it was a massive goal today to get it back to 2-1, at a very important time.
“It is a really strong addition to the squad [to have him back] and hopefully there are many more goals to come from him.”
Coquelin praised the team’s “strong response” after last week’s goalless draw against Middlesbrough, and said that confidence is high.
“This year we have got strong character, we have shown that in the past,” he said. “I want to praise the players who came on because every time they come on they do the job.
“Olivier got a brace, Aaron also came on and was great as well, and the young lad Ainsley Maitland-Niles was really good. Everyone is fighting and it was a massive win.
“The character we are showing at the moment is great, plus the fans - home and away - have been great, so that is an extra boost for us as well.”
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