Arsene Wenger: 'Olivier Giroud will respond to criticism'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has stated that striker Olivier Giroud will silence his critics.

The France international found his position in the side questioned after he was sent off in the Gunners' Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb last week.

Giroud is in line to start against Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup this evening, and Wenger is confident that the frontman will deliver.

"Giroud is a guy who has a positive attitude, who is ready to have a go. He is a very strong man and with his back to the wall Giroud can always respond," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"He has assets in the game, which are vital because he can protect the ball, can hold the ball and can bring other plays in, that is one of the big parts of his game and that is why he creates so many chances and that is why the other players love him and love to play with him as well."

Giroud has scored two goals in six Premier League appearances so far this season.