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Olivier Giroud jokes that his scorpion kick goal was better than Henrikh Mkhitaryan's effort

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Olivier Giroud joked that his stunning scorpion kick finish was better than the one scored by Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Olivier Giroud has joked that his stunning scorpion kick finish against Crystal Palace was better than the one scored by Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Arsenal striker netted in emphatic fashion on New Year's Day, less than a week after Mkhitaryan's similar effort for Manchester United against Sunderland on Boxing Day.

Speaking on a Soccer AM Facebook Live Q&A on Monday, Giroud also revealed how his team-mates reacted to his wonder goal at half-time during the game against Palace.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01:  Olivier Giroud of Arsenal scores the opening goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at the
Image: Giroud scored a stunning scorpion kick against Palace

"Actually, they were teasing me, saying that the Mkhitaryan one was better!" he said. "It's crazy that two similar goals were scored in one week. I don't know if I got inspired, it's destiny.

"He did very well as well, but I think mine is better! But to be serious it was funny in the dressing room, we were all surprised by what happened."

Henrikh Mkhitaryan scores Manchester United's third with an acrobatic flick of the heel
Image: Mkhitaryan scored a similarly acrobatic effort for Manchester United a week earlier

It took awhile for Giroud to break back into the first team this season for Arsenal, but he has been in impressive form lately, scoring once in each of their last five games to take his tally for the season to 10.

And despite playing more than 200 games for the club since joining in 2012, Giroud says he always feels the need to keep proving and improving himself as a player.

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Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace

"When I first arrived at the club I'd won the league with Montpellier but I came in a discreet way, and I had to prove myself," he said.

"I always try to improve myself, I've won trophies with this club and we want to carry on this adventure, hopefully winning more trophies and the Premier League."

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Highlights from Manchester United's 3-1 win over Sunderland.

When asked which trophy he'd love to win most with Arsenal, Giroud said that he'd value a Premier League title above anything else.

"Definitely the Premier League," he said. "Before, to be honest, it was the Champions League, but when I understood what the Premier League means for the English fans, I'd definitely say I need to win the Premier League."

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