Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Yaya Sanogo is starting the first leg of the Champions League tie with Bayern Munich because Olivier Giroud needs rest.

The Gunners boss surprised many by selecting Sanogo in attack ahead of Giroud, whose fitness has been questioned in recent weeks, but he's confident that the young forward can impress..

"He is playing well, as simple as that," Wenger told Sky Sports News. "You can debate every position from the first to the last.

"Olivier Giroud has played a lot of games recently, he is a bit tired. We need him refreshed and to come back strong.

"We start a game of 180 minutes tonight and we have to consider it like that. The weight of an away goal is very important."

Sanogo has started just one competitive game for Arsenal.