Olivier Giroud: Arsenal must keep heads up after Southampton draw

Olivier Giroud has called on Arsenal to remain upbeat in the Premier League title race after they were held to a 2-2 draw at Southampton on Tuesday.

The Gunners had taken a 2-1 lead in the second half after goals from Giroud and Santi Cazorla cancelled out Jose Fonte’s header.

But Adam Lallana stroked home shortly after to earn Mauricio Pochettino’s men a point at St Mary’s and dent Arsenal’s title bid.

The championship is not finished and we have to keep our heads up. It’s not the end of the world

Olivier Giroud

Arsenal are now two points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with Manchester City and Chelsea set to play on Wednesday.

But Giroud urged the north Londoners to stay in a positive frame of mind, despite Tuesday’s setback.

“We had some trouble in the first half to play our game, maybe because Southampton closed us down really well,” said Giroud.

“After that we wanted to come back as strongly as we could and we did well but it’s a shame we didn’t manage to win the game.

“Southampton are one of the best teams we have played, they deserved the draw. We have to come back on Sunday now – we have the opportunity to play at home so we have to look forward to that.

“The championship is not finished and we have to keep our heads up. It’s not the end of the world.”