Olivier Giroud admits Arsenal always stumble in March when Premier League title race hits up

Frenchman Olivier Giroud admits Arsenal always seem to hit a stumbling block when the Premier League title race hots up. 

Arsenal were favourites for the title last season, but a series of poor results in February and March derailed their challenge for a first title in 12 years. 

Giroud's form also dropped at the same time , as he went on a run of 14 top flight matches without a goal during the second half of the season. 

However, the striker claims he isn't solely to blame, and made reference to Mesut Ozil, who also struggled for form after Christmas. 

Ozil wrapped up 15 assists in his first 16 top flight appearances of the season and looked set do obliterate the Premier League assists record. 

However, just four followed in the German's next 19 games as Arsenal endured their annual mid-season collapse. 

“For some reason we always seem to have this dip around March," Giroud told the Guardian. 

"Not just me, if you look at our best players, such as Mesut [Ozil] who made less assists after the turn of the year. 

"In my first year we finished fourth, the following season third and now second. We will have to improve on that to take the final step next season.”