Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Olivier Giroud to improve as he prepares for his second season in English football.

Giroud kicked off his pre-season preparations in style today, scoring a brace inside two minutes as Arsenal hammered an Indonesian XI 7-0.

With speculation rife that the Gunners are looking to sign Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, the Frenchman faces a fight to earn a starting spot, but Wenger expects the striker to relish the challenge of strong competition for places.

He told The Mirror: "I like Olivier very much. He scored 17 goals in his first season in England. He needed to adapt and I'm sure he will respond.

"I was very pleased with the way we played, the young players, the senior ones and to score seven goals was very pleasing.

"The difference was our physical power and though there is still a lot of work to do before we are ready for the new season, this is a good start."

The 26-year-old scored 17 goals last season in his maiden campaign at the Emirates Stadium.