Arsenal may have banged in five goals against Huddersfield Town but it was the fact that they kept a third consecutive clean sheet that pleased Olivier Giroud the most.

The France international, who came off the bench at the break to bag a brace, was impressed by the way the defence stood firm in the face of concerted pressure from the visitors throughout the game.

“We killed the game off in the final 25 minutes but it’s true we could have scored before, but they were always dangerous on counter attacks,” Giroud told Arsenal.com.

“We had to be very cautious at the back and we defended very well. I thought all the defenders played very well. They didn’t let Huddersfield come out and put good pressure on the strikers. They did a great job.”

Having played second fiddle to compatriot Alex Lacazette for most of the season, Giroud looks a good bet to start against Manchester United on Saturday after his teammate picked up a groin problem.

The 31-year-old is looking forward to the challenge as the Gunners looked to further extend their unbeaten run at the Emirates.

“We are on a good run, we want to carry on and keep it up,” he added. “Obviously we have a massive game this weekend and it’s nice to have the confidence high to start this kind of game.”