Giroud: Former club a big threat

Olivier Giroud has warned Arsenal of the threat Montpellier hold ahead of Wednesday’s ‘must-win’ Champions League clash.

The 26-year-old knows more about his upcoming opposition than most, having joined the Gunners from Montpellier in the summer, and he has emphasised the need for a victory against the Ligue 1 champions with Arsenal only a point ahead of third-placed Olympiakos in Group B.

The French champions will arrive at the Emirates with their hopes of progressing from the group stage already extinguished, but Giroud has urged caution ahead of the tie.

“It’s a must-win match for us because Arsenal have to go through to the next phase of the competition,” Giroud told reporters.

“Montpellier have nothing to lose now. They are already eliminated but we have to be careful as that’s when some teams are most dangerous.

“They didn’t become champions of France with no talent. We must not take anything for granted when they come to the Emirates.”

The Ligue 1 outfit have seen their fortunes change radically since Giroud’s summer departure as they currently languish in 14th place in the division they topped last term.

And their former striker suggested that last season’s over-achievement may well have taken the club by surprise.

“I’ve spoken to some of the guys at Montpellier and they have been having a difficult season,” Giroud said.

“It was a big surprise to everyone that we were champions of France and maybe it was hard to digest.

“Last season things seemed to go our way. We were riding a wave and it seems that wave isn’t there anymore.”