Published: 28 November, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

TWO-GOAL hero Olivier Giroud fired Arsenal to a 2-0 win over high-flying Southampton on Saturday, and then quickly dedicated his match-winning brace to his late grandfather.

The Gunners’ striker was told about his grandad’s death just 48 hours before lining-up against the Saints at the Emirates Stadium.

The news didn’t stop Giroud from putting in a man-of-the-match display as he robbed goalkeeper Artur Boruc for the first goal and scored a second from the spot.

“Two days before the match I lost my grandfather,” the French forward told reporters after the match. “So I’m really motivated to dedicate these goals to him and I hope he is proud of me in the sky.”

Manager Arsene Wenger paid tribute to Giroud following the 2-0 win, a result which leaves Arsenal four points clear at the top of the table. “Giroud is a positive character who is always ready to compete. He brings us something different. He is a fighter. It’s usually difficult to find good strikers in Europe, but he is one of them,” said Wenger.

The game against Southampton also saw Theo Walcott return to action – as a 70th minute substitute  – following a lengthy spell on the sidelines. “Strikers who get behind of defenders are very important,” said Wenger.

“It’s great to have him back.”