Arsenal striker believes his side can put their dithering EPL campaign back on track with a win against Newcastle tonight
Olivier Giroud
London: Olivier Giroud has assured Arsenal fans that Arsene Wenger is still a “great manager” and told them not to forget everything the Frenchman has done for the club.
Olivier Giroud
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Wenger was subjected to severe verbal abuse from his own supporters following his side’s 2-3 loss at Stoke last weekend, a result that leaves Arsenal 13 points behind English Premier League leaders Chelsea.
‘Arsene not to blame’
“I understand the fans because when you are a team like Arsenal, the fans want you to win every single game, especially when they follow you to away games,” Giroud said.
“It’s always like that when you suffer a defeat, I understand the fans are really disappointed but we are very disappointed as well. It is not the manager (who is to blame). He is a great manager. Just because we lost at Stoke in an away game does not mean the season is finished or that everything is over.” “There is no other coach who knows Arsenal better than him so I am in no doubt he is the man to solve this situation.”
Wenger’s side will be eager to steer their domestic campaign back on course when they host a rejuvenated Newcastle side today.
The Magpies inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Chelsea last weekend and one defeat in nine has drawn Alan Pardew’s side level on points with Arsenal.
“We need to bounce back,” said Giroud. “We know our quality and we know what we can do. We will show our strength of character against Newcastle at home. It will be a tough game, Newcastle have had a good start. They are a great team and we need a win at the Emirates to gain some good momentum.
Giroud does not accept that Champions League qualification is the best the Gunners can hope for in May.
“We are still 13 points behind Chelsea,” he said. “We are going to take games one by one and focus on ourselves. If we don’t lose, we don’t have to look at Chelsea’s results.” “We just need some momentum, some more wins and to get our confidence back,” he added.
4: Arsenal’s French striker Olivier Giroud has netted four goals in four Premier League appearances against Newcastle United
Live today:
. Leicester City vs Man City: Star Sports 4, 20:30
. Chelsea vs Hull City: Star Sports HD 1, 20:30
. Arsenal vs Newcastle: Star Sports 4, Star Sports HD 1, 23:00
Fans can also catch Man City and Chelsea’s matches live today on 380-sq-ft screens at BKC’s MMRDA Grounds for free
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