Giroud tips Arsenal to play role in title race

Olivier Giroud feels Arsenal can play a "very interesting role" in the Barclays Premier League title race.

The France international bagged his first league goal since a £12million summer move from Montpellier in the 3-1 win at West Ham as the Gunners recovered from the disappointing home defeat by leaders Chelsea. Although Arsenal, who had beaten Olympiacos in the Champions League earlier in the week, are currently just outside the top six and seven points off the pace, Giroud believes there is plenty more to come. "We will keep going and stay confident for the future. I think we have a very interesting role in this championship," Giroud told Arsenal Player. Giroud produced a neat close-range finish when turning in Lukas Podolski's cross to equalise at Upton Park, and is relieved to have got off the mark in the league. Speaking to French broadcaster Canal+, Giroud added: "I expected it to be difficult at first because the Premier League is a level higher and I have had to adapt. "It is nice to have scored my first goal, that will give me a lot of confidence for the future. I feel good about this team and I am confident that I will score more goals. Why not a dozen like in my first season at Montpellier?"