Published: 14 March, 2015
by TOM FOOT at the Emirates Stadium

Premier League
ARSENAL 3, WEST HAM 0

ARSENE Wenger reminded Arsenal fans that under-fire Olivier Giroud has a “special kind of strength” after his match-winning performance against West Ham.

The striker was jeered off after a series of howlers against Monaco in the Champions League last month but against the Hammers today he cupped his ears to the home fans after a fine goal and an assist.

The Arsenal boss said Giroud had thick skin because he had played his early career in the French bottom division.

He said: “This is a boy who has played until 22 to 23 years of age in division 3. He comes out and plays in the national team. You need some special strength. There was no red carpet there. You need a special kind of strength to come through that. 

"Look, Giroud had an outstanding game today. But I know that all these players want to do something special, at the end of our moves, but what is important to see now is that the players understand each other much better than they did seven months ago. We are much stronger as a team.”

Wenger said the pressure was now on Monaco ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League second leg and that his in-form side had the “belief” following today’s stroll past West Ham and the thrilling conquest of Old Trafford in the FA Cup last week.

He said: “This time Monaco are the favourites, so we will see how they deal with that. We have to go there and believe we can do it.”

Against West Ham, Giroud had for the first half been Arsenal’s best player, using his height and bulk to win headers, and also played some precise flicks and one-touch passes that had the home fans purring. He powerfully curled into the far corner on the stroke of half-time, before setting up Arsenal’s second on 81 minutes with a clever feint and quick one-two with Aaron Ramsey who smashed past Adrian, playing with a dislocated finger.

Matt Flamini tapped in a third on 85 minutes with his first touch after Ozil was replaced. 

Francis Coquelin – playing against his central midfield predecessor, Alex Song – showed brains and brawn, marshalling the back line and strong in the tackle. Monreal, still basking in Man Utd goal glory, didn’t put a foot wrong and looks to be growing in confidence.

Wenger added: “We scored the kind of great great collective goals that we loved to play." 

Arsenal moved seven points ahead of Tottenham and four ahead of United with the two playing each other tomorrow at Old Trafford.

ARSENAL: Ospina, Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Chambers, Coquelin, Ramsey, Sanchez (Welbeck), Giroud, Walcott, Ozil (Flamini).
Subs not used: Szczesny, Gibbs, Akpom, Bellerin.
Attendance: 60,002