Wenger explains decision to start Sanogo ahead of Giroud

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he opted to start Yaya Sanogo in Arsenal’s FA Cup semi-final against Wigan to give Olivier Giroud a much-needed rest.

Sanogo has been a peripheral figure for the Gunners so far this season and has still not started a Premier League game for the north Londoners.

Giroud was a bit tired recently and he played many games

Arsene Wenger

However, Wenger opted to deploy the 21-year-old as a lone striker in the Wembley clash ahead of Giroud as the Gunners sealed a 4-2 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw.

And asked if he was saving Giroud for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with West Ham on Tuesday night, Wenger replied: “Not really.

“He was a bit tired recently and he played many games. I thought that we needed some fresh legs.”

Wenger also insisted that there is plenty to come from Sanogo, despite the forward having yet to find the net for the Gunners.

“He showed great potential but he’s still too much mentally determined to score at any costs,” said Wenger.

“When he calms down I think there is a lot to come from him.”