Olivier Giroud has admitted that he was surprised by Arsene Wenger's touchline reaction during Arsenal's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea last October.

The Gunners boss reacted angrily to Gary Cahill's poor challenge on Alexis Sanchez, leading the Frenchman to shove Jose Mourinho and then exchange words with the Portuguese manager.

Wenger apologised for his antics but Giroud admits that he was shocked to see the 65-year-old's reaction.

"He is very calm most of the time," Giroud told Sky Sports News.

"He's got good self-control but we were a bit surprised by his reaction. But it's a human reaction and I'm well placed to speak about that because I'm an emotional player. I don't keep my feelings for me and that's why sometimes it happens.

"Honestly, from my point of view I was more proud of that. It shows his character and if he has done that maybe it was justified."

Mourinho later went on to accuse the Football Association of double standards, after Wenger escaped the incident without a punishment.