Monday 9 May 2016 08:41, UK
Arsene Wenger said Arsenal saw the "real Olivier Giroud" again after he scored in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
The striker scored his first Premier League goal since January 13 when he headed home from a corner in the 10th minute at the Etihad.
"He had a great game, his best for a while," said Wenger. "He was sharp and focused, we have seen the real Olivier Giroud.
"He has not had that sharpness for the last few games but strikers go through up and downs and you never know when they will score or not."
Alexis Sanchez was also on target for the Gunners as they boosted their top-four chances while also damaging City's.
Arsenal now need just a point against Aston Villa on the final weekend to make sure of their place in next season's Champions League.
"We showed good character," said Wenger "When it was 1-1 we didn't look like we could score but as soon as it was 2-1 we started again to have that desire and we looked dangerous straight away. It looked like the players subconsciously just wanted not to lose."
Sergio Aguero gave City an early lead but Arsenal quickly hit back through Giroud and then replied again in the second half after Kevin De Bruyne had made it 2-1.
The match was Manuel Pellegrini's last home game in charge of City and Wenger said: "Man City had decided to give a big present to Manuel Pellegrini, they were all on fire and we needed to show special fighting spirit to come away with a point.
"I was surprised a little bit by the intensity of their start. They came out with a lot of pressure, the good thing is we absorbed it and every time we were down we came back.
"We have to finish the job now at home against Villa. We want to finish with a win at home."
