Arsene Wenger believes Olivier Giroud has transformed as a player during his time at Arsenal, as the French striker scored twice at the Emirates to beat Middlesbrough 2-0 and send the FA Cup holders into the quarter-finals.
Giroud hit two goals in two minutes just before the half-hour, with Wenger especially pleased with the manner of the goals.
The first, after 27 minutes, came at the end of a flowing move than involved every player in the Arsenal starting XI. The second, on 29 minutes, involved a piece of quick thinking as Giroud reacted first to Alexis Sanchez’s rapidly taken corner.
Wenger believes the finishing, at the least, is the product of the evolution Giroud has undergone since arriving at the Emirates in 2012.
“I believe Giroud is a different player from the guy who arrived here,” Wenger said.
“He understands what top-level football demands, works with great concentration in training, improved on his mobility, technical quality.
