Olivier Giroud says he gets a “special satisfaction” from scoring an old-fashioned centre forward’s header.

The France striker has found the net four times since returning from injury but it was his first goal against Newcastle United that gave him the greatest pleasure.

However, despite scoring four headers in his last five games against the Magpies, Giroud told Arsenal’s official matchday programme that his aerial ability is a skill he still needs to improve.

"I was telling myself that I will score the next cross and that was against Newcastle" Olivier Giroud

“It’s a special satisfaction because people say when you are tall you have to score more goals with your head,” he explained.

“I was a bit frustrated to miss the chance against Stoke because it could’ve been a good comeback when we were 1-0 down. It was a great delivery and I didn’t snatch it properly.

“I was telling myself that I will score the next cross and that was against Newcastle. Alexis made a good cross and the most important thing is that my timing was right. I had a run-up as well.

“It’s surprising to hear but headers aren’t my best quality. I have the timing but I still need to work on the technique. You always have a side you prefer more than the other one, so I try to work on it every week and it’s something I can improve.”

You can read the full Giroud interview in the QPR programme.

Olivier Giroud celebrates against Newcastle

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