Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere hails Olivier Giroud’s ‘great character’

Jack Wilshere has singled out Olivier Giroud for special praise after the Arsenal striker’s impressive start to the season.

The France international scored both goals as the Gunners moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday after a 2-0 victory over Southampton at Emirates Stadium.

And Wilshere has been thoroughly impressed by the 27-year-old’s form after he notched up his seventh Premier League goal at the weekend.

“Olivier has been really impressive, especially at the beginning of the season when everyone was saying that [Luis] Suarez was coming in to take his place,” Wilshere is quoted as saying by the Independent.

“For someone playing in that position it would have been tough for him to lose his place, but he has shown great character and for me he’s been our best player this season.

“He holds the ball up and brings others into play. He has learned that side of the game that the Premier League is tough and sometimes you have to push defenders off the ball.

“He works so hard, he has played nearly every game, but fair play to him because he keeps going and going. He has got a great physique and a great base of fitness. Hopefully he can continue that form.”