Olivier Giroud deserved to be sent off: Arsene Wenger

Olivier Giroud gets his marching orders

Arsène Wenger said that striker Olivier Giroud apologized to him after getting sent-off in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers.

Giroud was given his marching orders after head-butting Nedum Onuoha eight minutes into the second half.

Giroud's red came after Alexis Sanchez's first half goal. The Chilean saw his penalty saved in the early stages of the game but made amends later by heading the ball in at the far post. Tomas Rosicky added a second after Arsenal were reduced to 10 men. Charlie Austin pulled one back from the penalty spot for the visitors to set up a nervy 10 final minutes for the home side as the Rangers were denied a late penalty appeal to level the score.

“Giroud has apologized”

Wenger said, “Giroud has apologized. It was a deserved red card. Madness is a big, strong word, but he didn’t kill him you know, he touched him and he should not have done it. He should have been in control. He knows he made a mistake and I know him well enough to think that he will not do it again.

“He told me he was pushed from the back and projected against the keeper. Maybe it’s because of the injury he had played a part on his mind and he was scared to be injured again. It’s unusual for him. Honestly, he’s usually a guy who is in control of his reactions and quite calm. You never need that. That’s for sure, but in my job you have to deal with the mistakes of people.

“It was two games. In one we were completely in control. And even with 10 men we were in control until it was 2-1 and after you never know. In the last five or six minutes, we were a bit edgy because we conceded a goal last week and you could feel that was a bit in our mind.”

“Winning 400 is not as easy as it looks”

Wenger confirmed that Santi Cazorla is Arsenal’s go to man for penalties.

“Santi’s a nice guy and let him take it,” said Wenger. “Alexis was not number one on the list. Arteta is number one taker, but at the moment Cazorla is number one.”

The victory was Wenger’s 400th in the Premier League and the Frenchman added: “It doesn’t become easier. I’m happy to win 400 because it’s not as easy as it looks. The next 400 will be more difficult.”

Here is the incident which reduced Arsenal to 10 men: