Olivier Giroud reckons if Arsenal can get off to a good start in the Champions League and have a strong first game, it’ll make our lives a lot easier when we travel to Barcelona.

Of course the striker’s comments may seem obvious to some: don’t lose at home and then at least we have a chance of not losing away, but he makes a valid point.

Getting some goals and a win under our belts before traveling to what is arguably one of the most difficult stadiums in the world, Camp Nou, will put us in a far better position than simply not trying. At least then we have a chance.

“[The pressure]’s part of the job,” the 29-year-old said.

“When you play this sort of game, you need to be focused on the game and forget the important of the game.

“I used to say that we are not favourites so we can maybe put the pressure out of our shoulders. We want to do very well in front of our fans and in this first leg. As long as I’ve been here, we’ve struggled a bit in the first leg and then that’s why it was very difficult.

“We were not in a very good position for the second leg. We want to keep all of our chances for the second leg, and obviously if we can win this game [that would help]. I’m looking forward to playing this game and I’m not worried about anything.”

511403528 olivier giroud of arsenal reacts after gettyimages
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Olivier Giroud of Arsenal reacts after missing a chance during the Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Arsenal and Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on February 20, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

As Giroud said, we often fail in the second leg while our first isn’t too bad. If we can concentrate on making sure our second leg even matters, we’re in with a chance, and that’s all we really need.