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Crystal Palace v Arsenal: Olivier Giroud insists it is not the time for the Gunners to be worried after Borussia Dortmund defeat

Striker has challenged his team-mates to bounce back at Palace on Saturday

James Orr
Friday 25 October 2013 11:52 BST
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Oliver Giroud fires in Arsenal's equaliser from point-blank range against Dortmund on Tuesday
Oliver Giroud fires in Arsenal's equaliser from point-blank range against Dortmund on Tuesday (Getty Images)

The Arsenal striker, Olivier Giroud, insists that the 2-1 defeat by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League – the club’s first in 13 matches – will not derail their season.

Arsene Wenger’s side have made a fine start to the season, and currently sit top of the Premier League. The Frenchman, who scored the equaliser in the defeat before Robert Lewandowski’s late winner, has challenged to the team to come back strong against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

“We finished the game better than them and that's why I'm really disappointed because if we couldn't win the game, we didn't have to lose it - maybe draw. In the Champions League it’s like that, about the details,” the 27-year-old told arsenal.com.

“We lost but have won almost every game [this season]. Just Villa and West Brom [were not victories] so it's not the time to be really worried, but we want to come back on Saturday and win the game.”

Giroud has played in 13 matches in all competitions for the club this season, scoring seven goals, but says he is showing no ill effects from the hectic start as he featuring in 47 matches in his first season at the Gunners in the last campaign.

“I feel good. I'm used to playing a lot of games and I feel good with my body so touch wood no injuries. Over the years I've got used to playing a lot of games and I'm OK with my body. I don't want to find an excuse.”

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