Arsenal striker: Room for improvement

Humble Giroud determined to continue scoring

By Zain Alvi | 28th September 2012

Olivier Giroud scored his first goal in an Arsenal shirt in Wednesday’s emphatic 6-1 League Cup win over Coventry City and even though the Frenchman is delighted to have gotten that accomplishment under his belt, he is aware that he needs to keep improving.

Despite being French Ligue 1′s leading goal scorer en route to Montpellier’s amazing title triumph last season, Giroud has understandably taken a little time to adapt to English football.

He missed a clear chance in Arsenal’s season opener at home to Sunderland and remained score-less despite starting the following match away to Stoke City.

The France international was subsequently reduced to lesser playing time as manager Arsene Wenger aimed to lift the pressure building on his shoulders.

On Wednesday, when he was restored to the starting line-up, he was quick to open the scoring and while later describing the moment as one that he desperately needed, he is determined to keep on scoring.

“This goal has taken the pressure off me. It’s done, I have my first goal. But it has to be the start of a beautiful adventure,” Giroud told Arsenal.com.

The 25-year old added: “Even unconsciously I was thinking about this first goal. I tried not to think about it but my family, friends and a lot of people were talking to me about it.

“For a striker, it’s always good to find the net again. I have an assist already this season but it’s not like a goal. For a striker, it’s important for the confidence. I hope many more will follow.

“I want to play week in, week out, find my rhythm and keep scoring. I am convinced that with some perseverance, it will come.”

When asked to speak on his areas of development, the forward was candid in admitting room for improvement.

“In regards of my adaptation, I feel that there is a lot of room for improvement. I feel good, better and better. I need to keep improving how I can hold the ball up as I am playing against tougher defenders.

“I also need to improve in front of goal to be more efficient and clinical. I am working on all of that and I am quite confident for the rest of the season,” he concluded.