Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Olivier Giroud is one of the "best strikers in Europe".
Giroud has scored 10 goals in his last 12 appearances, including a hat-trick on Wednesday night at Olympiacos that saw Arsenal squeeze through to the Champions League last 16 for the 16th year in a row.
Some Arsenal supporters have criticised Wenger in the past for sticking by Giroud and not trying to sign a bigger name, but the Gunners boss believes that his fellow Frenchman's recent performances have proven him right.
"I think he's [among the top strikers] because he plays for one of the best clubs in Europe and he scores goals," Wenger told reporters.
"If you look at the number of games and the number of goals, you have to give him credit.
"He's not only a goalscorer, he's a guy who puts work in for the team. I think he's among the best strikers in Europe."
The Gunners next travel to face the Premier League's bottom club Aston Villa on Sunday, and Giroud has scored in each of his last four appearances against the Birmingham side.
Pascal Lemesre
