ARSENAL, Podolski: "I love playing in derby games"

© foto di Giuseppe Celeste/Image Sport

Lukas Podolski says he relishes the special atmosphere that surrounds London derbies.

The Germany international played a key role in Arsenal’s 3-1 victory at West Ham on Saturday, claiming an assist for Olivier Giroud’s first-half equaliser.

It was an important three points for the Gunners, and Podolski enjoyed the intense nature of the match at Upton Park.

“The atmosphere was very good, the fans are crazy and you get a lot of derbies here,” the striker told Arsenal Player.

“In Germany you only have one or two derbies, here you have five! I like derbies but it was not good to lose to Chelsea at home.

“However, beating West Ham means we are back near the top of the league. I think it was a very important result.

“We saw the other teams at the top win, like Manchester City and Chelsea, so it was vital for us to get the three points before the [international] break.”

Having settled in quickly to life in the Premier League, Podolski was pleased to see Giroud open his account against West Ham.

“Everybody wants goals from strikers and it was not easy for him,” he said. “You must wait for your chance, keep fighting and the goals will come.”