Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has hit back at Thierry Henry's criticism of him by insisting that he has "faith" in his own ability.

The Gunners legend appeared to dismiss his fellow Frenchman's qualities by claiming at the weekend that Arsenal need a "top quality striker" in order to win the Premier League.

Giroud has scored 17 goals in all competitions so far this season, but failed to strike in his side's goalless draw with league leaders Chelsea on Sunday.

"In sport you have to question yourself every week and be ready in your head and you have to be at 100% of determination if you want to keep going and win games - you cannot afford to be at 80% or 90%," The Guardian quotes Giroud as saying.

"You have to have faith in your own qualities, that is part of being a footballer - being strong in your head. That is more than half of the quality you need to be a football player."

When asked about the 'boring' tag being given to Chelsea in chants by Arsenal fans at the Emirates last weekend, Giroud said: "Boring? I don't know, but there is the table which speaks for them.

"It is true maybe they are not [playing] the same game as us, but we are not going to change our game and I think they are not going to change their game. I think they are pleased with that and if they are champions, what can you say?"

Arsenal are currently third in the table, level on points with second-placed Manchester City.