OLIVIER GIROUD has assured Arsenal fans that Arsene Wenger is still a "great manager" and told them not to forget everything the Frenchman has done for the club.

The Gunners secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages for the 15th consecutive year after a 4-1 win at Galatasaray on Tuesday, but rumblings of discontent remain around the team's lack of progress in recent seasons.

Wenger was subjected to severe verbal abuse from his own supporters following his side's 3-2 loss at Stoke last weekend, a result that leaves Arsenal 13 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.

"I understand the fans because when you are a team like Arsenal, the fans want you to win every single game, especially when they follow you to away games," Giroud said.

"It's always like that when you suffer a defeat, I understand the fans are really disappointed but we are very disappointed as well.

"It is not the manager (who is to blame). He is a great manager. Just because we lost at Stoke in an away game does not mean the season is finished or that everything is over.

"They have to remember what the manager has brought to the club. There is no other coach who knows Arsenal better than him so I am in no doubt he is the man to solve this situation."

Arsenal, who were a goal down within a minute at Stoke and 3-0 behind at half-time, were booed off by their travelling support at the end of the game.

The team's defensive frailties were again exposed at the Britannia Stadium, but Giroud believes it was the lack of effort that was most concerning.

"When we concede goals it is not just the defenders, it is all about the whole team - we have to defend better altogether I think," the French striker said.

"When you watch the way Stoke play you need to be ready from the start and we were not in the game straight away, so if you then make small mistakes you pay the price.

"Commitment and determination in individuals are things you cannot forget in football. We didn't do well in the first half and being 3-0 down was tough at half-time - we came back very well in the second half but it was not enough."

Wenger's side will be eager to steer their domestic campaign back on course when they host a rejuvenated Newcastle side today.

The Magpies inflicted a first defeat of the campaign on Chelsea last weekend and one defeat in nine has drawn Alan Pardew's side level on points with Arsenal.

"We need to bounce back," said Giroud, who scored in both meetings between the teams last season.

"We know our quality and we know what we can do. We will show our strength of character against Newcastle at home.

"It will be a tough game, Newcastle have had a good start. They are a great team and we need a win at the Emirates to gain some good momentum.

"Newcastle are a good opponent for me personally and hopefully I can score again so the team can join the top four."

Giroud does not, however, accept that Champions League qualification is the best the Gunners can hope for in May.

"Chelsea were 13 points ahead before the game last weekend and we are still 13 points behind them," he said.

"Chelsea will not win every game - we are going to take games one by one and focus on ourselves.

"If we don't lose, we don't have to look at Chelsea's results. We just need some momentum, some more wins and to get our confidence back."