Olivier Giroud was in no doubt he would find a way to secure victory for Arsenal at Red Star Belgrade, Arsene Wenger has revealed.
The France international scored a spectacular winner five minutes from time in Serbia to extend Arsenal’s 100 per cent run in the Europa League this season.
Giroud’s stunning overhead volley put the finishing touch on a move that had seen Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott combine in delicate fashion, a solitary strike that an uninspiring game had scarcely merited.
Arsenal had been put through the ringer by the Serbian league leaders and had needed goalkeeper Petr Cech to come to their rescue on more than one occasion in the first half. But Wenger said that his team had always believed they would come out on top.
“At some stage he came to the touchline and told me we will score,” the Arsenal manager told reporters. “That’s Giroud, he keeps belief when it’s tough.
“That’s why he scores at moments you do not expect him to score.”
Arsenal had travelled to Serbia on the back of a chastening 2-1 defeat at Watford in which Hornets captain Troy Deeney had questioned whether Wenger’s side had the “cojones” to compete in the Premier League.
Before Thursday’s match Wenger had admitted to being hurt by Deeney’s comments but with their path to the Europa League knockout rounds looking increasingly serene the Frenchman welcomed a renewed display of fighting spirit in the intimidating Rajko Mitic Stadium.
“I believe you win when you can - you do not decide when,” Wenger added. “What is remarkable is the spirit we have shown, fighting together.
“They defended very well, but the goal is a consequence of us wanting to play through them.”
