Olivier Giroud hails importance of France goals after difficult start with Arsenal



Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring for France against Denmark



Olivier Giroud insisted it was important for him to score and perform well for France against Denmark after falling down the pecking order at Arsenal.

 

The 29-year-old has lost his place in the Arsenal starting line-up to Theo Walcott after a mixed start to the season. 

Giroud has scored three times for the Gunners this season but has not started for the north London club since the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in late August and previously admitted that he has found it difficult to adjust to a bit-part role.

The striker stared for France in Copenhagen on Sunday night and repaid Didier Deschamps' faith with a brace in Les Bleus' 2-1 victory.

His two goals were the first he has scored for his country since March and he was pleased with his contribution.

 

Giroud has struggled in front of goal for Arsenal this season

"It was important for me to make a good game tonight, to be decisive," Giroud told L'Equipe.

"We made a very good start to the game, all together. 

"There were some very good things in the first half, even the second, but [we] failed to drive the point and in the end we conceded this goal late in the game.

"This is a small problem, but we will retain that fourth straight victory, which had not happened for three years."