Arsenal star Olivier Giroud backs the Gunners to sustain Premier League title charge

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admits that the Gunners need to become more efficient if they are to win the Premier League title this season. The north London club lost ground on their rivals at the top of the table after a goalless draw against Southampton on 2 February, and the Frenchman has conceded that they need to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Giroud, 29, bemoaned the opportunities that the Gunners spurned during their frustrating draw. However, he also backed the club to "bounce back" from their disappointment. "We had so many chances to score and we didn't do it. We missed chances here and it could have been maybe 4-1 or 5-2 but, their 'keeper did well and it is hard," the Arsenal star said, according to the club's official website.

"You have to keep the faith and keep believing that you will maybe score. That is what we tried to do, but he [Fraser Forster] had a very good day. He was always in the right position and did very well, and it is frustrating. Now we are five points from Leicester City, so it is going to be a hard time in the few weeks to go and we need to get as many points as we can. It's not over – we need to stay positive and be more efficient in the next games to come."

Despite falling further behind current Premier League leaders Leicester, Giroud remains confident that Arsenal can still mount a serious title challenge.

"It's a long way to go and we just need momentum," the Arsenal man explained. "Hopefully we can start that against Bournemouth, and then after we have a big February and March until the international break. We're going to see how it's going to be, but we need to keep our heads up and keep working on what we are doing well."