Premier League: Giroud scores as Arsenal hit back after Euro flop
ARSENAL 2 EVERTON 0
ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger hailed Olivier Giroud’s mental fortitude after the striker responded to midweek failure by firing his team back up to third in the Premier League.
Giroud, whose misses were blamed for a damaging Champions League defeat to Monaco, put the Gunners ahead against Everton yesterday by steering home a Mesut Ozil corner. Substitute Tomas Rosicky’s deflected shot a minute from time finally made the points safe, as Arsenal overtook Manchester United to move to within four points of second-placed Manchester City.
“Olivier’s great quality is when his back’s to the wall, he has the personality and the character to respond,” said Wenger, who confirmed midfielder Francis Coquelin broke his nose in a collision with Giroud.
“It was vital for us, for the rest of the season, to win the game today. We had a mentally united response.”