"I made a better start at Arsenal than Robin van Persie" - Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud insists he has made a bigger impact at Arsenal than Robin van Persie.

The £13million summer signing's figures compare favourably with RVP’s.

Former Montpellier hitman Giroud has scored 14 times in 34 appearances for the Gunners.

 
Van Persie netted 10 in his first full season following a £2.75m move from Feyenoord in 2004.

'I do not know of an attacker who is not interested in his numbers,' the former Montpellier man told L'Equipe.

'Since the beginning of the season, I registered 14 goals and given 11 assists.

'For the first season... It's better than the beginning Van Persie had, even though when he arrived at Arsenal, he was younger.'

Despite Giroud's recent improvement in form Arsenal are still struggling down in sixth place in the Barclays Premier League and four points off a Champions League place.

But the Frenchman is confident that he is improving and can only get better.

'It’s all going to plan, but I know I can do better,' Giroud told Le Parisien. 'I have room to improve, which means I can be more ambitious.

'I have matured in my mind. I have also learned a lot, in particular with my back to goal. I control the ball more when I receive it and I read the situation.

'I am fortunate to have a coach (Arsene Wenger) who I can talk to and share things with. Recently we made a video and he talked me through how I can improve. On the pitch we know what we are doing. There is a trust and communication between us.'