Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Olivier Giroud will not shirk the responsibility of spearheading the club’s bid to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
France striker Giroud came in for criticism for his failure to convert a number of chances in the Gunners’ goalless home draw with Everton this week.
Arsenal’s failure to win that game opened the door for Chelsea to move above them into third place, although the places will be reversed if Wenger’s side can beat Fulham at Craven Cottage, 24 hours before the Blues travel to Liverpool.
Wenger will again ask Giroud to lead the attack and the manager is convinced the forward, who has scored 17 goals since his move from Montpellier last year, has a major role to play in the run-in.
“He is very extrovert, but as well he has a basic positive nature. He wants to do well, he is desperate to do well, but he is not the one who hides afterwards,” Wenger said.
“He stands up for what he has done and I feel he deals quite well with that.”