Giroud: I am not a replacement for RVP

Arsenal recruit Olivier Giroud has played down comparisons between himself and departed Gunners striker Robin van Persie.

Former Arsenal skipper van Persie joined Manchester United last week and endured an underwhelming debut for his new club, coming off the bench in a 1-0 loss to Everton.

Giroud also struggled in his Arsenal debut, dragging a shot wide from 10 yards in a 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

But the Frenchman, so clinical last season for Ligue 1 champions Montpellier, believes he has plenty of upside to show off in the weeks ahead, even if his talents differ to van Persie, last season’s Premier League top-scorer.

“I am not here to replace van Persie or to make people forget him,” Giroud told reporters.

“I am here to bring something different. I don’t have the pretension of saying I will replace him because I have every respect for him as he had an enormous season last year.”

But Giroud concedes there is plenty of pressure on him and fellow new Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski.

“Now I have a chance as Robin left, so I will get more time to play and I need to assume the responsibility,” he said.

“In fact, I must because that is my chance and I have to take it.”

Arsenal have failed to win a trophy since taking the FA Cup in 2005 but Giroud believes an increased level of consistency will bring success back to north London.

“I watched the Premier League a lot,” Giroud explained.

“Arsenal are capable of playing great matches but, on the other hand, some games can pass them by.

“We must gain in consistency.

“Maybe we don’t have the means of great clubs like Man United or City who can construct a team of great players.

“(But) we will fight with our means and I am convinced we will have a beautiful season.”