Giroud is Blues’ old master

OLIVIER GIROUD produced a forward’s masterclass to set up a final showdown against former club Arsenal.

Giroud justified Frank Lampard’s continued faith in him with the goal that set Chelsea on their way to a deserved win – his sixth strike in his last seven starts for the Blues.

The Frenchman (below) has a special affinity with the FA Cup, having won it four times with Arsenal and Chelsea and having plundered 16 goals and provided eight assists in 28 games.

World Cup winner Giroud, 33, spread anxiety and uncertainty in the Manchester United defence, with his clever movement and speed of thought. Never was that more evident than for Chelsea’s opener, which came just before half-time and set Lampard’s side on their way.

As soon as Cesar Azpilicueta picked up the ball on the right, Giroud was on the move, anticipating the delivery from Chelsea’s skipper and getting to the ball ahead of the hapless Victor Lindelof.

With a deft flick of the outside of his left foot, Giroud’s first-time finish had too much on it for David De Gea.

Giroud’s renaissance is testimony to his enduring belief in his own ability and a refusal to accept his lot when he started the season on the bench.

For Lampard, taking Chelsea to the FA Cup Final in his first season in charge, and with a Champions League place in their hands, has been an emphatic vindication of his appointment.

With a glut of young talent in Mount, Reece James and Billy Gilmour, allied to new signings Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner – plus the evergreen Giroud – a new era of Blues success beckons.