08 February,2014 08:59 AM IST | | PA Sport
On the eve of their crunch clash with Liverpool, Arsenal strikerOlivier Giroud rubbishes critics’ predictions that his side cannot last the distance till May and lift the league title
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud at St Jamesu00c3u00a2u00c2u0080u00c2u0099 Park on earlier this season. Pic/Getty Images.
London: Striker Olivier Giroud is convinced Arsenal have the mental strength to hold their nerve and prove themselves as genuine challengers through the most testing of fixtures.
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud at St James' Park on earlier this season. Pic/Getty Images.
The Gunners head to Liverpool today and then host Manchester United on Wednesday, before Brendan Rodgers' side come back to the Emirates Stadium in an FA Cup fifth-round tie on February 16. That is followed by a Champions League tie against holders Bayern Munich.
Despite many pundits confidently predicting Arsene Wenger's squad would come off the rails soon, Arsenal remain top of the EPL, a point ahead of Manchester City who were beaten 0-1 at home by Chelsea.
Giroud is in no doubt his men have what it takes to last the distance through to May. "We have to show people that we want to answer (our critics) on the pitch and nothing more," the striker told Arsenal Player.
"That is the most important (thing) for us, the reality of the pitch. After that, if people don't think we can finish first it is not my problem, but I know we have a good chance to win the league."
England midfielder Jack Wilshere should be available again at Anfield following an ankle problem.
Liverpool head into the game some eight points off the pace, but Wenger will take nothing for granted at Anfield where he knows Arsenal must be on their guard to shackle the threat of a certain Luis Suarez and strike partner Daniel Sturridge, as they did when the sides met at the Emirates Stadium back in November.
