Olivier Giroud has been named as the Vitality Player of the Month for the first time this season.

The France international was at his very best throughout March, scoring six times on his way to polling close to three quarters of the votes cast.

Giroud started the month in style with the opening goal in a 2-0 win against Everton, before repeating the trick three days later at QPR.

The 28-year-old then scored March's Goal of the Month with a sublime finish against West Ham United, before netting against Monaco in the Champions League.

The forward finished off a prolific month by adding a brace at Newcastle United as the Gunners won their sixth match in succession.

Francis Coquelin finished in second place, with Mesut Ozil - winner of the February award - in third.

Vitality - official wellness partner of Arsenal Football Club

March Player of the Month - Results Player % of votes Olivier Giroud 73.7 Francis Coquelin 10 Mesut Ozil 5.9 Other 10.4

Arsenal fan Paul Wallis from Islington, who voted for Olivier, will present the award before the Liverpool game at Emirates Stadium.

He will also receive two tickets to the match.