Arsenal star Olivier Giroud: Striker's best form still to come says Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has sent a worrying message to the club's next Premier League opponents, Liverpool, after claiming striker Olivier Giroud has further room for improvement despite his impressive run of recent form.

Giroud has netted nine goals in his last eight starts in all competitions, his latest contribution coming as he helped the Gunners overcome Newcastle United with a double at St James' Park.

The 28-year-old has the second best goals-to-game ratio of any player in the top flight and following France's upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Denmark, manager Brendan Rodgers's men are next in the firing line for the impressive Arsenal forward.

"He is a player who has a good mental strength because at 22 he was playing in division three," Wenger told the club's official website. "Now he plays at Arsenal. There is still room for improvement for him.

"He benefits from the fact that he has not started a few games. He has also improved his technical game. Technically he is a much better player and that's why he scores goals. His touch, his link play, his finishing [has all improved]. He takes some images from when he arrived in England and today he is a better player.

"I think [he is one of the best strikers around] because he scores the goals, has a presence and he's a fighter as well. Above all he is a team player - he fights for the team."

The ex-Montpellier forward has missed much of the campaign due to injury but his return has coincided with Arsenal cementing a place inside the Premier League top four.

Six points currently separate Arsenal from fifth place Liverpool, a gap that could be extended upon the resumption of a club campaign where Giroud has set a series of targets.

"It's my best spell since I've been at Arsenal. I have to keep it going, I don't want to stop," Giroud said. "I scored 16 or 17 goals last season in the league. I would like to do better, and above all help the team achieve our objectives. That's the most important thing.

"Finishing second or third would be very good, even if we'll be ready if Chelsea slip up. Winning the FA Cup is also an objective. I am continuing my progress. I feel really good at Arsenal. It's important to keep improving."