Arsene Wenger: "Sharp" Olivier Giroud the difference against Middlesbrough

Arsene Wenger has praised two-goal striker Olivier Giroud after the Frenchman helped Arsenal into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup this evening.

The 28-year-old played a starring role for the Gunners in their 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Emirates Stadium to earn the plaudits of his manager.

"Giroud was very sharp," he told reporters. "He has improved a lot compared to the player he was when we he arrived here. He is mobile, technically good, and he works with great focus in training. He has become a top player."

Wenger was also keen to highlight the performance of January signing Gabriel Paulista, who was handed his first start for the club in the straightforward victory.

"Paulista made a great recovery tackle in the box. He wants to defend, he has good urgency levels and a good physique and technical qualities. He is short language-wise but the intelligent players compensate with vision. He looks at what his partners are doing, and he did that well."

The draw for the last eight of the competition is scheduled to take place tomorrow evening.