Arsenal´s Giroud praises former club

22 November 2012 13:56

Olivier Giroud believes his former club Montpellier are a good side despite losing 2-0 to the Gunners in the Champions League.

Giroud laid on goals for team-mates Jack Wilshere and Lukas Podolski on Wednesday to ensure his team's passage to the group stages.

After claiming the performance of his former team belied their lowly position in the Ligue 1 standings, Giroud was pleased with how the attack operated.

"We were efficient offensively. They had a few chances but not so much as we defended very well. We tried again and again. We played between their lines and tried to create some problems," Giroud said.

"We had to be efficient in the second half and 'kill the game' in order to control the game. It wasn't an easy game especially in the first half.

"It's always a particular (to play against your former club) moment. I tried to give my best and stay focused unlike I did in the first game.

"It's very positive to win tonight but they showed that they are a good team and they don't deserve their position in the French league."

Giroud welcomed the return of former club legend Thierry Henry, with the striker likely to tak up a January loan move.

"It's always good to play with top French players like him (Henry). Apparently, during the international break he trained with the squad. People told me he was in good shape, in good form. It's a plus for us. So why not."

Meanwhile, Bacary Sagna has said Arsenal will do everything in their power to finish top of the group.

"We will try to finish first of the group but it will be tough. We don't have our fate in our hands. We know Schalke will try to finish first. It's up to us to do the job and take the three points against Olympiakos," he said.

To do so, Arsenal must better Schalke's result in the last round of the competition in a week's time.