Olivier Giroud issued his support for Arsene Wenger after helping to fire Arsenal to an impressive 4-1 victory over Newcastle.
The French striker gave his side the lead in the 15th minute with a towering header, before Santi Cazorla made it 2-0 with a fine finish 10 minutes after half-time.
Giroud then made it 3-0 with a neat finish from close range before the visitors pulled one back through Ayoze Perez.
Cazorla’s penalty then wrapped up a convincing victory – and Giroud was full of praise for Wenger, who has been criticised of late, after the game.
“I didn’t want to talk a lot about this situation, it’s always the same when you’re losing a game, it’s always like that and the first man in front of the criticism is the boss,” said Giroud.
“It’s part of our job but we are one pack and we will be always together, so keep the faith, keep working hard and I think there’s nothing about a change of boss because he’s the man of the situation.
“It’s nice to hear the fans supporting the boss and obviously it’s a fantastic night for us and we’re pleased and now we have one week rest and we need to prepare well for the next big game at Anfield.”