Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes he is playing some of the best football of his career and insists he is unfazed by any accusations of inconsistency . The Frenchman 's brace against Newcastle on Saturday brought his seasonal tally to 17 goals in 26 appearances so far , as The Gunners remain on course to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League . Giroud told RMC Sport , 'Since I have been at Arsenal , this is perhaps my best period . I have to continue like that . ' Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud ( right ) celebrates his second goal against Newcastle United at St James ' Park . The Frenchman loses his marker , Newcastle defender Mike Williamson ( centre ) , to score with a header . Newcastle defender Daryl Janmaat ( left ) jumps to win the ball from Giroud during the game at St James ' Park . He continued , ' I scored 16 or 17 goals in the league last year . I would like to do better . ' In addition to his own personal targets , Giroud is determined to help Arsenal to a strong end to the campaign and has not ruled out a late push for the title . 'Finishing second or third would be fine , although we will be hoping ( league leaders ) Chelsea slip up . Winning the FA Cup is also an objective . I continue my progress . I feel very well at Arsenal . It is important to continue to progress . ' Giroud came under scrutiny recently after spurning two clear-cut chances in Arsenal 's 3-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League , but the 28-year-old feels that he has answered his critics with his form since then . Giroud ( left ) beats Williamson ( right ) to score Arsenal 's opening goal against Newcastle on Saturday . Giroud controls the ball ahead of the oncoming Jack Colback ( left ) and Williamson ( right ) at St James ' Park . ' I did an interview last week before the match against Monaco . We had covered everything and the journalist said to me me : 'Giroud , this is not the same name as Sergio Aguero or Diego Costa ' . I simply answered that a good striker lets his statistics speak . ' He added , 'Obviously , it 's was not at the good moment because I lacked efficiency in that game . I did a little teasing . But it 's good to have shown mental strength to come back even stronger and prove that critics do not reach me . ' Only Chelsea 's Costa and Tottenham 's Harry Kane have scored more than Giroud in the league this season and both have played over 500 minutes more game time . Giroud has scored 17 goals in 26 appearances for Arsenal this season and is not ruling out a late title push .
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud scored a brace at home on Saturday . The Frenchman has scored 17 goals in 26 appearances so far this season . Giroud feels that he is playing at the heart of his game and the attacking striker has shrugged off any claims of inconsistency . He believes Arsenal can still challenge for the league title this season . Only Chelsea 's Diego striker and Tottenham 's Harry Kane have scored more than Giroud in the Premier league this season .