'I love the Arsenal way' - Olivier Giroud feeling settled after second season at the Emirates

 
Second season style: Olivier Giroud has scored 21 goals this term
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Andy Hodgson4 May 2014

Match-winner Olivier Giroud was a happy man after firing Arsenal to a 1-0 victory over West Brom that moved his side to within two points of third-placed Chelsea.

The Gunners, who sealed their spot in next season's Champions League on Saturday after nearest challengers Everton lost 3-2 to Manchester City, turned the heat up on Jose Mourinho's men as they edged out the struggling Baggies in their final home match of the season.

Giroud netted what would prove to be the only goal of the game after 14 minutes when he headed in at the near post from Santi Cazorla's corner.

The France international told Sky Sports: "(Santi) Did well and he knows where to put the ball and I tried to win the header and it was nice to see it in the net.

"I told them before that I want to be efficient for the last game so I tried to give my best for the team. It's always a pleasure to score."

The goal was Giroud's 22nd of the season in all competitions for Arsenal, and he stressed how comfortable this term has been in his second year at the club.

He added: "I think I have improved myself compared to the first season and I know all my team-mates and we have a really good understanding on the pitch.

"I take a lot of pleasure on the pitch. I love the Arsenal way to play, I love our game so hopefully we will have some nice days in front of us."

Arsenal player ratings (Arsenal v West Brom)

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Arsenal's title challenge faded after the turn of the year when they were unable to overcome the loss of key men like Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil to various spells of injury.

But they have turned things around in the past couple of months with just two defeats from their last 12 matches in all competitions while setting up an FA Cup final clash with Hull on May 17.

Giroud hopes they can end the Premier League season on a high with a good result away to Norwich next Sunday, a week before their Wembley showdown with the Tigers.

He said: "We feel relieved (to claim a top-four finish) because we had to fight in the English Premier League till the end of the season, like last year.

"Even though we (have) succeeded to get this fourth place before the end, we really want to finish strong and we have a very exciting cup final so we have to keep focused on our game."

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