Arsene Wenger believes Olivier Giroud has transformed as a player during his time at Arsenal, as the French striker scored twice at the Emirates to beat Middlesbrough 2-0 and send the FA Cup holders into the quarterfinals.
Giroud hit two goals in two minutes just before the half-hour, with Wenger especially pleased with the manner of the goals.
The first, after 27 minutes, came at the end of a flowing move than involved every player in the Arsenal starting XI. The second, on 29 minutes, involved a piece of quick thinking as Giroud reacted first to Alexis Sanchez's rapidly taken corner.
Wenger believes the finishing, at the least, is the product of the evolution Giroud has undergone since arriving at the Emirates in 2012.
"I believe Giroud is a different player from the guy who arrived here," Wenger said.
"He understands what top-level football demands, works with great concentration in training, improved on his mobility, technical quality. Of course his body is very strong and he uses it very well."
Wenger was also hugely enthused with how the different characteristics of both goals showed alternate qualities of his side.
"The first goal is what we tried to do in our build-up," Wenger said.
"The second goal shows the game belongs to the players as well. It's a consequence of two players who respond quickly to a situation and analysing quickly what they want to do well. That's basically what it was, a consequence of intelligence and technique."
The other main positive for Arsenal, from what was a very easy win, was the performance of new signing Gabriel Paulista.
The defender prevented one Middlesbrough attack with a hugely industrial foul, but was generally composed.
"It was interesting to observe Gabriel today," said Wenger.
"His first game in a cup game which we had absolutely to win, he showed important qualities, great concentration, great urgency to defend, good pace, especially on the recovery tackle he made in the box.
"He played a little bit with the handbrake because he didn't want to make a mistake.
"From what I've seen, there's a lot to come."
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