Wenger hails in-form Olivier Giroud as vital to Arsenal’s success

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lauded Olivier Giroud after the French striker helped his side negotiate a potential banana skin with a 2-0 victory away to floundering Aston Villa.

Giroud notched his 50th Premier League goal with an early penalty as Arsenal went top of the table at Villa Park, four days after his first hat-trick for the club had yielded a 3-0 victory at Olympiakos that sent Wenger's side into the Champions League last 16.

The in-form France international has now found the back of the net 11 times in the last 13 matches to spearhead Arsenal's push for honours on the domestic and European fronts.

“I believe Olivier is at the top of his game,” Wenger said. “He's questioned some times, but the numbers get people to realise that he's a quality player.

“I think he's improved technically and his link-up play is better. He may not have electric pace and he likes to play with his back to goal, so maybe he isn't a spectacular individual.

“But he's a very efficient and an important player for this team. He is also mentally very strong, too.”