Olivier Giroud says Arsenal will be wary of Crystal Palace as their rivals could have had a much-needed “electric shock” from Ian Holloway’s departure.

The 50-year-old parted company with the Eagles on Wednesday following a difficult run that has seen them gain just three points from eight games.

"I think [it could provide them] with a shock, an electric shock that you need to change something when the results are bad" Olivier Giroud

While the Gunners will be favourites at Selhurst Park, Giroud says the effect of Holloway’s departure could be to galvanise Palace.

“I think [it could provide them] with a shock, an electric shock that you need to change something when the results are bad but that is Crystal Palace’s problem,” he told Arsenal Player.

“I will stay focused on my team and our game, we need to bounce back and we want to do it on Saturday.

“We need to win to stay top of the league and after that we want to bounce back in Europe away at Dortmund.”

The Gunners could come up against former forward Marouane Chamakh at Selhurst Park, and Giroud is looking forward to seeing him once again.

“First of all he is a really good guy and I enjoyed his mentality,” he said. “He was a good friend for me so I enjoyed my time with him.

“On the pitch he never gives up and always has a fighting spirit. He is good in the duels, especially in the air, he played for the team and is a good team-mate. I had a good understanding with him on the pitch.

“I think it's better for him to play more because with Arsenal he didn't have a lot of time on the pitch so I'm happy for him, because he seems to be better off at Palace.

“Maybe he is not happy because their results are not so good. I hope their results get better because I don't want him to go down with them.”

ADVERT