Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has conceded that his failure to sign a new striker this summer proved to be a blessing in disguise, allowing Olivier Giroud to blossom at the Emirates Stadium.

Giroud's second season with the Gunners has got off to a superb start, with the Frenchman finding the net six times in 12 matches, including the first goal in four successive Premier League games.

Wenger told The Guardian: "I always thought that his second season would be the decisive one. I was not too worried when we didn't bring anyone in because I thought he had a good chance to develop.

"Giroud is amazing because he develops well. If you compare his technical level when he arrived to how he is today, he has highly improved.

"Now he enjoys combining much more. From a player who was just thinking 'I have to score', he has now become real team player."

The 27-year-old showed that ability to link play in Arsenal's latest Premier League game, setting up goals for Jack Wilshere and Mesut Ozil in last weekend's 4-1 win over Norwich City.