Walcott competition helped Giroud - Flamini

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini praised Olivier
Giroud and said Theo Walcott's form had helped the
striker improve:- Photo credit- Getty Images

Olivier Giroud has taken his game to another level due to
competition from Theo Walcott, according to Arsenal team-mate
Mathieu Flamini.

Giroud starred as Arsenal beat Olympiacos 3-0 in the
Champions League on Wednesday to advance from Group F.

The France international had found himself behind Walcott for a
place up-front in Arsene Wenger's side earlier this season.
Flamini believes that was good for Giroud, who has lifted his
game due to being pushed by Walcott.

"Competition is very important in the big teams – it makes
players stronger and that is what happened," Flamini said.

"It is tough competition up front and Olivier is responding very
well because he is playing better and better. That is part of the
game and if you want to play at a big club you have that
competition."

Giroud stepped up when Arsenal needed him most, with his hat-
trick seeing them sneak through to the last 16 in the Champions
League.

Flamini said the 29-year-old deserved all the plaudits he was
receiving.

"All great strikers have to respond in the big games and he
responded well. It was a great performance from him and he
helped the team very much and is a top scorer," he said.

"He deserves the credit and I think he gets it.

"I have not seen it anywhere or from anyone that he is not a top
goal-scorer and he is proving it on the pitch so is doing very
well.

"I am glad and happy for him."