Arsene Wenger: 'Olivier Giroud is mentally strong'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Olivier Giroud to return to form sooner rather than later after providing an assist in his side's 1-0 victory over Norwich City.

A cushioned header from Giroud set up Danny Welbeck who volleyed into the bottom corner, and although the Frenchman is without a goal in the Premier League since the middle of January, Wenger says that he retains faith in the forward.

Wenger told the club's official website: "A striker wants to score goals and when he doesn't, is it pure confidence or is it just to think, 'How can I score again? They need goals.

"But he responds, he's a guy who is mentally strong. He gave an assist, I put that in the same category as a goal."

Giroud will be hoping to retain his place in the starting lineup when Arsenal play Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.