Football: Giroud vows not to fire blanks again as Gunners prepare to face Everton

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (in red) reacts after missing a chance to score during his match against AS Monaco at the UEFA Champions League in London on Feb 25, 2015. Giroud has vowed to bounce back from his Champions League hu
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (in red) reacts after missing a chance to score during his match against AS Monaco at the UEFA Champions League in London on Feb 25, 2015. Giroud has vowed to bounce back from his Champions League humiliation against Monaco when the Gunners host Everton on Sunday, Feb 28, 2015. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has vowed to bounce back from his Champions League humiliation against Monaco when the Gunners host Everton on Sunday.

He missed a succession of chances as Arsene Wenger's side slumped to a 3-1 last-16, first-leg defeat, and the France international is keen to make amends when the Toffees visit the Emirates Stadium.

Giroud first faces an anxious wait to see whether he will retain his starting spot for the meeting with Roberto Martinez's team as Arsenal attempt to maintain their grip on third place in the Premier League.

But he insists he should not be judged on a frustrating midweek display that ended with his withdrawal on the hour.

"I am not a better or worse player than three days ago, it is just about confidence and keeping strong," he said.

"I am really hurting, more than disappointed, it has been embarrassing for me.

"But I have never given up in my career and sometimes I have had tough games like that before.

"It was difficult because nothing went right, everything was tough for me.

"I tried to keep focused but I understood why the boss wanted to substitute me.

"It was not my day."

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