Arsene Wenger says it's inevitable Olivier Giroud will be compared to Robin van Persie

Olivier Giroud: Arsene Wenger says it is inevitable the Arsenal striker will be compared to Robin van Persie

Arsene Wenger admits it is 'inevitable' that Olivier Giroud will be compared to Robin van Persie, but believes the striker only needs a goal to kick-start his Arsenal career.

Following the sale of last season's Premier League top scorer Van Persie to Manchester United, last term's leading marksman in Ligue 1 is one of the players charged with the task of replacing the Dutchman.

However, Giroud has endured a stuttering start to his Gunners career, failing to score in four appearances and missing a couple of golden chances to open his account.

The France international admitted earlier this month that he has been 'freezing up' in front of goal and he was dropped to the bench for Saturday's 6-1 thrashing of Southampton.

Giroud could be restored for Tuesday's Champions League tie against his former club Montpellier and Wenger concedes the burden of scoring is weighing on the 25-year-old's mind.

"We can see he has not become liberated," Wenger told L'Equipe. "But we have to go beyond that and it always takes a little time for a forward.

"The fact that he has not scored presses heavily on him.

"It is obvious there is a comparison with Van Persie. The comparison is difficult but inevitable. And if you can't score, you think you are not capable of standing comparison.

"However, I am happy with his behaviour and runs during the match. He is just missing one goal."