‘The table speaks for them’ admits Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud of rivals Chelsea

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes Chelsea are "pleased" with the way they play – and reckons neither club will be ready to change their football philosophy in the quest for success again next season.

Chelsea battled to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon to take a step closer to the Premier League title, which they can secure later this week with victories over Leicester City and then Crystal Palace.

Both manager Jose Mourinho and captain John Terry rejected chants of “boring, boring Chelsea” from sections of the home supporters during the closing stages of the match as the West London club edged towards their goal of being crowned the best side in England.

Giroud accepts, given Chelsea’s healthy 10-point lead, that the end looks to have justified the means – even if it is an approach which Arsene Wenger’s squad would not embrace.

“I did not hear, because I do not understand most of the time, so I ask my English teammates. Boring? I don’t know, but there is the table who speaks for them,” the 28-year-old said.

“It is true maybe they are not the same game as us, but we are not going to change our game and I think they are not going to change their game.

“I think they are pleased with that and, if they are champions, what can you say?”

Despite a superb run of form in the second half of the campaign, Arsenal are left paying a heavy price for their slow start which returned just two victories from the first eight league matches.

Former captain Thierry Henry used his post-match media pundit role to speak about the need to “buy four players” in the summer to improve the “spine” of the team.

Wenger, however, reckons there is “not a lot” between the two sides.

Giroud echoed Wenger’s belief Arsenal can challenge for the championship in 2016.

“Yes, I think we can,” be closer with Chelsea in the title race next season, the France forward said. “Hopefully we will have less injuries and if we keep this group, with maybe one or two new players coming in, we can have a great season.

“I know we can still improve as we have been doing since I signed. I am proud about it and pleased with that.

“I just want to carry on like that and I know if we keep our best players, this determination and team spirit, I am sure we are going to join the championship race.”

Henry suggested Arsenal need to bring in a “top-quality striker” if they are to become title contenders.

Giroud has scored 18 goals this term, despite missing three months with a broken leg.

“Mental strength is hugely important when you are a football player and even more as a striker. You have people who doubt your abilities and you have to believe that you can always come back,” the former Montpellier frontman said.

“If you miss chances in one game, it is not because you have lost your talent or your belief. You have to be faithful to your qualities. That is part of being a player, being strong in your head.

“In football you have to question yourself every week, be ready in your head and you have to be 100 per cent determined if you want to keep going in the games.”

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