Being dropped was good for Giroud, says Flamini

Mathieu Flamini believes Olivier Giroud's improved Arsenal form is a result of having to fight for his place in the starting XI.

The 29-year-old netted his first ever hat-trick for the Gunners on Wednesday in a 3-0 win over Olympiacos that saw Arsene Wenger's men through to the Champions League knockout stage.

The turnaround in form is in stark contrast to his struggles between August and October, when Theo Walcott was often preferred at centre forward.

The France forward has since been restored to Wenger's first-team plans and has paid back his manager's faith with 10 goals in his last 12 games.

"I think competition is very important in the big teams," Flamini told reporters.