Arsenal duo win Premier League monthly awards

Arsène Wenger and Olivier Giroud have been named the Barclays Manager of the Month and Barclays Player of the Month respectively.

The French manager led the Gunners to four successive Premier League victories in March to win the award for the 14th time and move the club to third in the table. 

In-form Giroud scored five times in those four matches, with a brace at Newcastle United adding to goals against Everton, Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United.

"I’m really pleased with it," Giroud told Arsenal Player. "I would like to thank my team-mates and of course the fans, because it’s a collective sport and I couldn’t do it on my own.

Wenger confirms Olivier Giroud's return date

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that French striker Olivier Giroud will join training next week and not next year as earlier envisaged. 

The forward broke his leg during a premier league game against Everton but is preparing for his return having played just four games for the club this season.

Wenger told the club's official website that midfielder Mikel Arteta who picked up a hamstring injury during midweek's UCL challenge with Anderlecht would not play a part in Sunday's league game, while Jack Wilshere is back into the fold while

''Arteta will be out for Sunday. He has a mild hamstring strain and he will be out for a short period because it's a grade one. He should be back after the internationals.'' - said Wenger.

''Jack is alright, he is back in the squad for Sunday.

''Laurent Koscielny has a little chance to be back after the international break.

''Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Mesut Ozil are progressing very well, but of course they are not available before or straight after the international break.''

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud signs contract extension

Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has signed a contract extension which keeps him at the London club until 2018.

Although the Gunners have not officially confirmed the news, the UK Mirror reports that the French striker will now earn around £80,000-a-week.

Giroud, who is out till next year following surgery on his broken left tibia, which he suffered against Everton last month. He has gotten rid of his crutches now and is wearing a protective boot, as he continues his recovery process.

However, Manager Arsene Wenger has brought on Danny Welbeck from Manchester United as a cover but still rates Giroud highly and has proved that by handing him a new contract.

Giroud joined Arsenal two years ago from Montpellier.

No Arsenal move for Welbeck, Zigic as Wenger debunks panic shopping for a striker story

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to be drawn into the news making the rounds that the club is looking to sign a striker to replace injured Olivier Giroud.

 

The Gunners were without the striker who got injured in last Saturday's come-back at Gudison Park against Everton, edging Besiktas of Turkey by a lone goal in the qualifier of the champions league on Wednesday night.

 

As reported on the club's website, Wenger confirmed that the player will not return until later in the year but he's in no mood for a panic buy.

 

''Giroud had surgery today from a broken tibia and he will be out for 3-4 months on the competition side.

 

That means he will be capable to play again in the Premier League certainly at the end of December because he will be out for two months.

 

''By the time he comes back, that goes three to four months. You ask me straight away who we will buy? I give you the answer straight away - at the moment nobody.

 

Recent reports link former Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic and United's Danny Welbeck to the club but the manager affirmed that no contact has been made.

 

Arsenal fight back to secure a 2-2 draw against Everton

Olivier Giroud's scored a 90mins equalizer which gave Arsenal a 2-2 draw in a two goals come-back against Everton on Saturday.

The host (Everton) were in perfect control of the first half as they opened scoring through Seamos Coleman in the 18th minute while Steven Naismith doubled the lead before the stroke of half time.

Introduction of Olvier Giroud, Snati Carzola and Joel Campbell brought about the desired change that the Gunners have been seeking in the game.

Aaron Ramsey once again proved to be an important player for the Arsene Wenger tutored side when he slotted in a nicely worked Carzola ball in the 82nd minute while Frenchman Giroud headed home to beat Tim Howard from close range.

"Giroud deserves more praise" - Ex Arsenal Star

Olivier Giroud has come under fierce criticism in the past few months but showed his class and fired in against Westham on Tuesday night in a match Arsenal won 3-1.

The Frenchman is the top man who plays alone upfront for the Gunner but Kevin Campbell claimed Arsenal would still be fighting for the title if they had
another forward of the Frenchman’s class.

According to Talksport.com Campbell reckons the 27-year-old deserves more praise for the job he has done this term and feels another top-quality striker may have stopped Arsenal slipping from title challengers to Champions League hopefuls.

“Giroud has been a shining light for Arsenal this season,” said the
ex-Gunners hitman, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast .
“He has had to lead the line himself for a lot of the season and
now he has scored 17, 18 goals.

"Getting in some goalscoring help could have been the difference
between Arsenal being in a challenging position for the title and
having to fight for fourth place. Olivier Giroud couldn’t play the
whole season on his own.”