Premier League preview: Norwich v Arsenal

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud hopes his goal for France will silence critics of his goal-scoring form as he prepares for Norwich.

Giroud’s 94th-minute header secured a 1-1 draw for France away to Spain on Tuesday and, having also scored for Arsenal just before the international break, the 26-year-old striker believes he deserves more respect.

After winning the Golden Boot in Ligue 1 with champions Montpellier last season, Giroud has copped criticism from the British press for going scoreless in six Premier League matches before scoring in Arsenal’s 3-2 win away to West Ham on October 6.

“It’s a feeling of great satisfaction,” Giroud said after his goal for France.

“The equaliser is a reward for the whole team, we got it together.

“Personally, this is also a great way for me to silence the criticism I have heard recently.”

Having only started two of the six games before scoring against West Ham, the criticism of Giroud has seemed premature and has most likely been exacerbated by the form of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s other acquisitions in the transfer window before the season.

Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla has been brilliant for Arsenal and has scored twice in seven matches, while German attacker Lukas Podolski has the same record of goals per games.

But a trip to Norwich on Sunday looms as a great opportunity for all of Wenger’s forwards as the hosts have the second-worst defence in the Premier League.

Norwich have conceded 17 goals in their opening seven matches of the season for a goal difference of minus 12, making Arsenal the favourites to win at Carrow Road against the second-last team in the Premier League.

While Norwich manager Chris Hughton could have Scottish defender Steven Whittaker back for the game against seventh-placed Arsenal, the visitors also have key players on the verge of a comeback.

Midfielders Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere could both be available with the latter having not played senior football since a Euro 2012 qualification game in June 2011.