Saturday 21 March 2015 22:07, UK
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admitted his side were feeling a European hangover as they laboured to a 2-1 win over Newcastle.
The Gunners beat Monaco 2-0 on Tuesday night to draw 3-3 on aggregate in their Champions League last-16 tie, but went out on away goals ahead of Saturday’s Premier League encounter at St James’ Park.
The Frenchman scored twice in four first-half minutes on Tyneside to put the Gunners in front before half time, but Moussa Sissoko hit back for the hosts as they put Arsenal under relentless pressure in the second half.
Arsene Wenger’s men held on to register a sixth Premier League win in succession, but Giroud felt they could have sealed victory earlier with more energy.
“It’s incredible. I don’t know why we didn’t play any more in the second half. It’s a shame because we could have scored more goals,” he said.
“I think maybe we were a bit tired from Tuesday in the Champions League game against Monaco.
“It’s still three points, but they put us under pressure until the end.”
Giroud has been on a superb run of scoring form of late, netting eight goals in his last nine Premier League appearances and scoring in five successive top-flight matches for the first time.
The 28-year-old was needed more in his own penalty area during the second half, but said he was happy to help despite not being able to complete his hat-trick.
“When you’re a striker and when your team is struggling a bit you have to help them, and we’re used to all of us defending well and attacking well together,” he added.
“That’s what we’ve done well in the last few games – we’re on a really good run and we want to keep it up.
“I told my team-mates after the game they could have given me a third goal because I’ve never scored a hat-trick. It’s OK – maybe next time. But first, I am pleased for the win, for the club and the fans.”
