Wenger says striker is upset with Arsenal start

By James Cunliffe Wednesday, October 3, 2012
1:28 PM

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he has put a comforting arm around an upset Olivier Giroud who he believes will come good for the Gunners.

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud (left) sees his shot in injury time against Chelsea hit the side netting. Photo credit: Adam Davy/EMPICS

While the transition of Spaniard and fellow Arsenal new boy Santi Cazorla has been seamless, the Frenchman, signed from Ligue 1 champions Montpellier in the summer, has struggled to find his way where it matters most for a goalscorer.

He has failed to find the net in his seven Premier League games so far, with his only strike in a red shirt coming in the 6-1 Capital One Cup rout of League One Coventry.

The misfiring forward squandered a late chance at home to Chelsea on Saturday as Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the campaign came to an end with a 2-1 reverse.

Wenger said: “He’s upset. I told him not to worry but you can say what you want to a striker who doesn’t score, he doesn’t really listen to you.”

Nevertheless the manager insists the 26-year-old can cut it in the English game, saying: “I believe he has some qualities for domestic football because when he came on the other day, OK he missed chances, but he had two.

“He’s still in what I consider an adaptation period because it’s a different team and a different way of playing.

“There is 100 per cent commitment from the centre backs here and we play against defenders that really go for it here.

“He will adapt.

“Once the first one goes in maybe the rest will happen as well.”