Giroud on target for Gunners

French striker continues hot streak as Arsenal moves to top of league

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger lauded Olivier Giroud after the French striker powered the Gunners to a 2-0 victory at floundering Aston Villa on Sunday.

Giroud notched his 50th Premier League goal with an early penalty as Arsenal took over first place, four days after his first hat-trick for the club yielded a 3-0 victory at Olympiakos that sent Wenger's side into the Champions League last 16.