Arsene Wenger insists his 'honest relationship' with Olivier Giroud keeps the France hitman hungry for success at Arsenal.
Giroud bullied Gareth McAuley before heading Arsenal to a last-gasp 1-0 Premier League win over West Brom at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day.
The 30-year-old Frenchman saved boss Wenger's blushes on his first league start of the campaign, as Arsenal hit back after consecutive losses at Everton and Manchester City.
While Wenger insists Giroud cannot expect to command a starting role, the Gunners boss remained adamant the former Montpellier striker remains pivotal to his plans.