Olivier Giroud has started the season on the fringe of the first team following his exertions at the European Championship.

But Arsene Wenger expects the France striker to be back to his best very soon. Here’s what the boss said at his pre-match press conference on Friday:

on why Giroud hasn’t played much…He was a bit behind at the start. Fitness-wise he has been behind Koscielny and Ozil. At the start it took him some time to get back. Since the last week, he’s slowly getting back to full fitness now.

on Giroud being criticised at the Euros…I think he got a bit of a sceptical attitude from France fans before the competition. During the competition he convinced everybody that he was the right choice.

on if the boss has talked to him about that…Yes because I think he has done extremely well to turn people around. Olivier is a guy who is very strong mentally. To do what he did is not easy.

More polls coming soon!