Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has admitted that he was relieved to be back on the pitch following a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The Frenchman this weekend started his first game for the Gunners since sustaining a broken leg against Everton in August, helping his side to a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion.

Giroud has revealed that he found it difficult watching his side struggle to kill off teams in his absence, and was delighted with his quick return to action.

He told reporters: "I have been impatient and I have been looking forward to coming back in the starting XI. I am really pleased to come back earlier. It was a good game for me and the team.

"The win was good, we are really pleased with the way we played even if we should have scored more goals. When you are injured you cannot help your teammates and it has been really frustrating for me. I tried to work hard at training and come back stronger.

"It is good, sometimes, for your mental strength to go through this and this is why I am stronger. When you are far away from the pitch it is tough. I took a lot of pleasure from this game."

Arsenal are sixth in the Premier League following their win over the Baggies.