Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has leapt to the defence of misfiring Olivier Giroud after he spurned a host of chances in Sunday's 1-1 North London derby draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

The French striker flicked a Mesut Ozil free kick against the bar in the second half, before sending two more gilt-edged headers wide at the Emirates Stadium this evening.

Consequently, Wenger says that Giroud - Arsenal's top goalscorer this season with eight - is "very angry" with himself and the 66-year-old is happy to see him so frustrated.

"He is very angry. I am pleased [with that]," he is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"When you see a player who is happy to miss chances, you can worry. He wanted too much to score - especially the opportunity he had in the six-yard box. But it can happen. I accept that."

Kieran Gibbs came off the bench to rescue a point for the hosts on 77 minutes after Harry Kane stroked Spurs into a 1-0 half-time lead.

Written by
Shane Callaghan