Olivier Giroud 'at the top of his game' beams Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

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Arsene Wenger insists Olivier Giroud is finally earning recognition as a top Premier League striker because of mounting statistics.

Giroud has long been doubted as a centre-forward capable of firing Arsenal to success in England and Europe – but against Aston Villa scored his 50th Premier League goal in his 113th game to send Wenger's side on the way to first place in the title race. 

The French international converted an early penalty at Villa Park to set up victory and build on his hat-trick against Olympiacos last Wednesday that fired Arsenal into the Champions League knockout phase.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday

The Frenchman scored his 50th Premier League goal in 113 games as Arsenal won 2-0 at Villa Park  

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger believes that Giroud's statistics prove his worth to the team 

Giroud now has 14 goals for Arsenal this season, and Wenger thinks the 29-year-old in beginning to win round those who query his elite credentials.

'I believe he's at the top of his game,' said the Arsenal manager. 'He's questioned sometimes but finally the numbers get people to realise that he's a good player.

'I think he has improved technically and his link play is better. We have the option to go for a long ball, which is always very interesting.'

Wenger reckons Giroud, a £13million buy from Montpellier in June 2012, has suffered in the court of public opinion from failing to standout with speed or skills.

'He's not an electric pace player,' admitted Wenger. 'He's a player who likes to play with his back to goal and bring people in, so he's not maybe spectacular individually.

'But he's a very efficient and important player for the team, and he's mentally very strong.'

Arsenal's next fixture comes next Monday with the visit of Manchester City to the Emirates and Wenger is thankful for the additional recovery time, although the game possibly comes too soon for Alexis Sanchez, out with a hamstring injury.

'We want to beat City at home,' said Wenger. 'We have now a week to prepare and it will be an interesting one. Medically my people think Sanchez will not be ready. But Sanchez being Sanchez, you never know.'

Giroud holds off a challenge from Villa midfielder Carlos Sanchez during the 2-0 win on Saturday 

Wenger remains unsure of when Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez will return from his injury lay-off  

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil plays a pass ahead of Villa's Idrissa Gana during the comfortable away win

Arsenal midfielder and Wales international Aaron Ramsey surges forward with the ball at Villa Park 

The probability of Villa making their own recovery this season appears much bleaker. This was their 10th defeat of the season and the gap to safety is now eight points. No Premier League team has ever survived from collecting just six points after 16 games.

But Wenger said: 'Every year we have seen teams survive who before Christmas people were saying have absolutely no chance. Last year one of them was Leicester. So it's not completely a lost cause yet.'

Villa manager Remi Garde was Wenger's first signing as Arsenal manager back in 1996. 'I think he will do a good job, he needs to be given time,' added Wenger. 'He has the intelligence and the quality, a good eye and good personality.'

Garde was equally defiant and views the coming fixtures against Newcastle, West Ham, Norwich, and Sunderland as season-defining.

'I still didn't win a game yet. I am very frustrated,' he said. 'But I won't get down. I know in football you can change things, only with work and concentration. I still believe we have the talent to win games. We can still be safe. Now we are coming into a period we have to win.' 

Remi Garde is yet to experience a Premier League win since taking over as Aston Villa manager