Wenger lauds Giroud for sparking Gunners

French striker's return to form boosts Arsenal's top-four hopes

Arsene Wenger believes Olivier Giroud's decisive contribution to Arsenal's vital 3-1 win over West Ham is a sign the France striker is back to his best in time to fire his side into the Champions League.

Wenger's team climbed back above Everton into fourth place in the Premier League thanks to Giroud's inspired strike and a brace from Lukas Podolski at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

The Gunners fell behind to Matthew Jarvis' first-half header, but Podolski equalized and Giroud then produced a brilliant first touch and lethal finish to put the hosts ahead soon after the break.

Giroud's majestic piece of control was reminiscent of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp at his best, and Wenger hopes the forward's performance bodes well for the final four games of the season.

Arsenal has no margin for error as it tries to eclipse Everton in the race for a top-four finish and Wenger desperately needs a dominant period from Giroud, who fell out of favor with the Gunners manager earlier in the season after lurid reports about his private life contributed to his poor play.

Wenger decided to start raw youngster Yaya Sanogo ahead of Giroud in two of the club's most important games of the season - the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Bayern Munich and Saturday's FA Cup semifinal win over Wigan.

"Olivier is a great guy with a great mentality. He has gone through a difficult period, as you know," said Wenger.

"I think it affected his confidence but you could see he is refreshed now.

"At halftime he came in very down because he missed a chance, but he is mentally strong and he made up for it.

"It was a perfect first touch. You need that if you want to score.

"What I like is he used his upper body to make some space, and after that he still had to finish it."

Giroud's goal was the highlight of a much-needed comeback from Arsenal after a lethargic first half threatened to make a mockery of Wenger's selection gamble.

Leaving the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench, Wenger fielded his oldest starting lineup in the Premier League since May 2003.

Yet, despite that average age of 29 years, Arsenal was still going strong at the end and Wenger hopes it can replicate that desire and energy for the final four matches.

"It was a gamble. I said before the game that it was one of the oldest teams I have ever played at Arsenal, but I trusted the experience," said Wenger.

"That experience helps when your back is against the wall."

Wenger remains hopeful about Arsenal's European challenge, but acknowledged Everton remains in the pole position as a draw or win at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday would put it back above the Gunners into fourth place.

"It improves the confidence of the team and we have one advantage: the picture is very clear in front of us," said Wenger, who revealed Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil is set to return from injury at Hull on Sunday.

"It doesn't depend just on us, but if we win all our games there is a chance.

"We know we need Everton to slip up and we have to win all our games. We will not focus on Everton; we just have to concentrate on ourselves."

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was vexed his side failed to press home its advantage, with Jarvis' decision to stay on his feet when fouled by Bacary Sagna in the penalty area another source of frustration.

"We shot ourselves in the foot with the first two goals," Allardyce said.

"The facts are that referees don't give penalties when you stay on your feet.

"For honesty there is no reward. You have to make the referee's mind up for him. You should go down if there is contact."

(China Daily 04/17/2014 page24)