Wenger backs Arsenal’s ‘exceptional’ Giroud to outshine Suarez

Arsene Wenger has backed the “exceptional” Olivier Giroud to lead Arsenal to victory against Liverpool on Saturday after the Gunners’ failed pursuit of Luis Suarez.

The north Londoners had a bid for the Uruguay international turned down by the Reds over the summer as the Merseyside club stood firm despite Suarez’s public plea to be allowed to leave Anfield.

The 26-year-old Liverpool forward has enjoyed a sparkling start to the season since returning from his 10-game ban, scoring six goals in four Premier League appearances.

But Wenger insists that he is more concerned about how Giroud performs against Brendan Rodgers’ men than how Arsenal will look to contain the in-form Suarez.

“If some clubs were interested in buying him [Suarez] it’s because he was playing quite well,” said Wenger, whose side are two points ahead of third-placed Liverpool at the top of the table.

“Look, he plays for Liverpool tomorrow. As you said, at the moment he’s doing very well.

“What’s important for me are the players who play for Arsenal. I’m not focused on [Suarez] now, 24 hours before the game.

“I believe that Giroud has proven since the start of the season that he’s an exceptional striker and I’m convinced that he’ll be up for it.

“They [Giroud and Suarez] are different styles of players. Giroud is a real centre forward who uses well that space and uses his power – he’s really central. Suarez is more a player who goes on the flanks and is more a dribbler.”

Wenger is also hoping that Arsenal’s philosophy of dominating possession will help to keep the Merseysiders at bay on Saturday as the Gunners look to keep their place at the top of the table.

“Our target is to have the ball and master the situation because we are dominating,” he said. “If we have the ball a lot we do not need to worry too much about our opponents and that will be the target tomorrow.”