Arsene Wenger is confident that Olivier Giroud will be successful in the Premier League once he has come through a period of adjustment.
Arsenal manager says striker is going through adaptation period
Arsene Wenger is confident that Olivier Giroud will be successful in the Premier League once he has come through a period of adjustment.
Two of Arsenal's summer signings scored their first goals for the club on Sunday, with Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla both on target in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
Giroud also had the opportunity to open his account but lacked the composure of his team-mates and questions have been raised about whether he will be able to make the impact Wenger demands.
The Gunners chief believes it is far too early to make negative judgements, insisting his battle with Martin Skrtel will prove to be a valuable part of an important learning process.
"I am confident about him," said Wenger. "Giroud is in an adaptation period. He has shown he is ready for a fight and I am sure he will adapt to the intensity of an English striker.
"Against Skrtel he discovered what the Premier League is all about."
Massive
There are no such doubts about Abou Diaby's ability to perform, with his fitness record the major issue after being restricted to four Premier League appearances last term.
In the wake of Alex Song's departure, however, Diaby is more important than ever to the Arsenal cause and he produced a superb performance at Liverpool.
Now Wenger just needs the France midfielder to stay healthy, adding: "If he is fit and healthy, Diaby has the talent.
"You can see he is massive for us because he has everything you would want in a midfielder.
"I stood behind him because I know he is not only a fantastic player but a fantastic guy as well.
"He hasn't played for a year but now he looks in good shape.
"There is more to come but let's touch wood and hope it goes well in the next two or three weeks because he is going away with the national team.
"He will travel a lot and play two games in four days."
