Giroud keen to thank Wenger with Arsenal FA Cup win

Striker Olivier Giroud insists his Arsenal team-mates are hell-bent on winning the FA Cup for manager Arsene Wenger to repay him for a below-par season in the Premier League.

Wenger’s position as manager has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks following a disastrous run of performances in the Premier League that has seen the Gunners drop to seventh in the league table and out of title contention.

(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The Frenchman has been the subject of fan protests at the Emirates and has also suffered a barrage of criticism from pundits and former players alike.

However, Giroud believes Sunday’s 2-1 extra-time FA Cup win over Manchester City could be the catalyst for an improved run of form and performances in the remaining weeks of the season.

Nacho Monreal and Alexis Sanchez scored the goals for Arsenal at Wembley but it was the passion and level of unity delivered by the Gunners that impressed Giroud.

And after reaching May’s final, where they will play London rivals Chelsea, Giroud is desperate to win the cup for manager Wenger.

“In four years, it’s going to be the third final that we play,” said Giroud.

“I’m very proud of that. We’ve done very well, shown a lot of solidarity. There was great togetherness in the team, we fought for each other and it was a great fight actually, especially for me in the front against the defenders.

“We’ve been efficient and even though we conceded, we finished very strongly and we’re happy for all of our fans.

“We want to win it for Arsene Wenger, because he always supports us and is always behind us.

“He always tries to protect us and then we just have to focus on the pitch.

“I’m very happy with this win. It will give us more confidence [for the future].”