The striker's notched eight goals in all competitions this season and, after struggling for consistency, he feels a positive pre-season has aided him

In-form Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes he is reaping the rewards for getting a full pre-season under his belt.

The France international struggled at times during his first campaign in England in 2012-13, but has made an impressive start to his second term with the north London club with eight goals in all competitions.

And Giroud puts his form down to having a better preparation for the season and regaining his confidence.

"I think technically I had it before, maybe I progressed because we have worked on it a lot in training," he told the club's official website.

"It is also [down to] confidence. I did well from the start of the season, I had good preparation with the team - instead of last season when I wasn’t here from the beginning - and I scored early in the pre-season games.

"I feel really confident, the boss made me feel good and that is why I feel good and try to improve every day. It is all about confidence I think."