Arsenal’s Mathieu Flamini sings Olivier Giroud’s praises

Mathieu Flamini has singled out Olivier Giroud for special praise after the striker ended his goal drought in Arsenal’s win at Newcastle.

The France international netted the winner in the 65th minute at St James’ Park to hand the Gunners a 1-0 victory and keep them top of the Premier League table.

When you’re a striker you always want to score but he always comes back and gives a lot defensively

Mathieu Flamini

Sunday’s strike was Giroud’s first goal in eight appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side, and Flamini was thrilled to see his compatriot’s dry spell come to an end.

“Olivier [Giroud] has played a lot recently and it’s never easy,” said Flamini. “He’s giving a lot to the team because he is a very hard worker so I was very happy for him because he really deserves this goal.

“When you’re a striker you always want to score but he always comes back and gives a lot defensively.”

Giroud will sit out Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Cardiff City on New Year’s Day after the 27-year-old picked up an ankle injury in the win against the Magpies.

Meanwhile, Flamini warned Arsenal not to get carried away with their position at the top of the table at the halfway point of the season.

“It’s only half-time,” he said. “But at the beginning of the season, especially after the Aston Vila game, if we were told at half-time we would be top we would have signed [for it] straight away.

“We have a very offensive team but it’s also important to be strong defensively because that makes the difference at the end of the year.”