Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud: 'Mesut Ozil is committed to Arsenal'

Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud has described Mesut Ozil as "a key player" after the midfielder starred in the club's 5-0 victory over Huddersfield Town.

Giroud netted a double after coming off the bench, but Ozil received the plaudits after contributing a goal and two assists at the Emirates Stadium.

Ozil came in for criticism over his work-rate earlier this season, but Giroud has said that he has "never" had any doubts over the commitment of the German international, who has just over six months remaining on his contract.

The 31-year-old is quoted by the London Evening Standard as saying: "Never. You cannot be at the top level all the time, but we never had any doubts about his quality.

"He knows when he has to pass or shoot, and when you are in a good position you always think he thinks 'assist' before scoring. He is our playmaker and is a key player."

Wenger has echoed Giroud's thoughts, with the Gunners boss praising the player's intelligence on the pitch.