Olivier Giroud has urged Arsenal to concentrate on nailing down the runners-up spot in the Premier League following their stalemate with champions-elect Chelsea.

The Gunners’ faint hopes of catching their west London rivals effectively vanished after Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium, which preserved the 10-point gap between the sides.

But Giroud feels that holding off the challenge of the two Manchester clubs to seal second place in the table – along with retaining the FA Cup – would certainly represent a successful season for Arsenal.

Asked if the title could yet end up in the Gunners’ hands, the centre-forward admitted: “I think it is over now to be honest. They (Chelsea) have to win just one game or maybe have a draw.

“It has been a few years since we finished second and if we can do it, we can see an improvement, which is great.

“But the championship is not finished, which is why we need to focus in the last five games to keep the second place. To get second and win the FA Cup would be a great season.

“I know we can still improve ourselves and that is what we have been doing since I signed for Arsenal. I am proud about it and pleased with that.

“I just want to carry on like that, and I know if we keep our best players and this determination with the team spirit, I am sure we are going to join this championship race [next year].

“Hopefully if we can have less injuries, keep the same group and with maybe one or two new players, we are going to have a great season, I am sure.”

Sunday’s match was Arsenal’s first 0-0 draw since they played Besiktas in the Champions League qualifiers last August – and the only time they have failed to hit the target at the Emirates all season.