Oliver Giroud - Do not write Arsenal out of Premier League title race

Olivier Giroud. The French striker scored his first league goal in Arsenal's win at West Ham
Arsenal can still have a major say in the Premier League title race, according to Olivier Giroud.
The France international bagged his first league goal since a £12million summer move from Montpellier in Saturday's 3-1 win at West Ham United as the Gunners recovered from the disappointing home defeat by leaders Chelsea.
Although Arsenal, who had beaten Olympiakos in the UEFA Champions League earlier in the week, are currently just outside the top six and seven points off the pace, Giroud believes there is plenty more to come.

"We will keep going and stay confident for the future. I think we have a very interesting role in this championship," Giroud told Arsenal's official website.


 "I feel good about this team and I am confident that I will score more goals. Why not a dozen like in my first
Giroud produced a neat close-range finish when turning in Lukas Podolski's cross to equalise at Upton Park, and is relieved to have got off the mark in the league.

Speaking to Canal+, Giroud added: "I expected it to be difficult at first, because the Premier League is a level higher and I have had to adapt.

"It is nice to have scored my first goal, that will give me a lot of confidence for the future.

"I feel good about this team and I am confident that I will score more goals. Why not a dozen like in my first season at Montpellier?"

Podolski opened his Arsenal account in the 2-0 win at Liverpool before the last international break.

The German, signed from Cologne in an £11m deal, feels Giroud can now play with more freedom when the domestic action begins again with a trip to Norwich on 20th October.

"Everybody wants goals from strikers and it was not easy for Olivier," said Podolski. "You must wait for your chance, keep fighting and the goals will come."