Olivier Giroud says that he had an unenviable task filling the shoes of Robin van Persie at Arsenal.

But that all things considered, he has enjoyed a better first season as a Gunners player than club legend Thierry Henry did, or than Didier Drogba did in his debut campaign at Chelsea.

That is some rarefied air Giroud says he is breathing, and his stats- while impressive- do not exactly add up.

French international Giroud has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season, while Drogba netted 16 and Henry 26 in their first seasons in the Premier League.

But speaking to The Times, Giroud says that under the circumstances, his introduction to life at the Emirates has been a success.

"I replaced Van Persie and when you arrive at a big club like that, they [the fans] are very demanding towards you," Giroud said.

"The criticism has not always been deserved, but they push you on.

"I've scored 17 goals and had 11 assists - that is better than Henry and Drogba in their first seasons. This is the quality I have.

“I have got better with this team and this staff. It is another level. I want to continue to improve."

Is Giroud as good as Drogba and Henry?