Giroud looks to get off mark for Arsenal amid doubts

LONDON (AP) - Energised by a new midfield maestro and prolific forward, life after Robin van Persie is going better than expected for Arsenal as the English club begins its latest attempt to win the Champions League for the first time.

Yet while Spain playmaker Santi Cazorla and Germany international Lukas Podolski have slipped seamlessly into Arsenal's line-up at the start of the season and already creating goals, there are worries over whether another expensive summer signing - Olivier Giroud - will adapt so well.

Giroud, a direct replacement for Van Persie, remains without a goal for his new team ahead of Arsenal's Group B opener at Montpellier - the team the France striker left.

Montpellier is one of three debutants in the Champions League this season but is struggling in the French league.