Super-sub Giroud completes Blues

Substitute Olivier Giroud inspired Chelsea to a fightback triumph at St Mary’s, which dealt a big blow to Southampton’s survival hopes.

Goals from Dusan Tadic and debutant Jan Bednarek looked to have put Saints in control, but Giroud’s introduction after 61 minutes proved decisive.

The France striker headed the previously listless visitors back into the game, Eden Hazard levelled shortly afterwards, and then Giroud struck again – all within the space of eight minutes – to spark jubilant celebrations as the Blues drew first blood in this dress rehearsal ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final between the two sides.

Chelsea’s lightning turnaround secured just their fourth league win of 2018, boosted their slim hopes of a top-four finish, and denied a stunned Southampton the chance to move out of the relegation zone.

The result also denied Mark Hughes a first league win as Saints boss and extended the southcoast club’s record home league run without a victory to nine matches.

Chelsea hit half-time having created no genuine scoring chances, failing to capitalise on their dominance at least in the possession stakes.

Saints in contrast buried their sole giltedged opening, Tadic capping a flowing fieldlength counter-attack with a calm finish.

Pierre-emile Hojbjerg set Ryan Bertrand racing down the left flank, and he fended off Cesar Azpilicueta before laying on the perfect cut-back.

The lurking Tadic did the rest, profiting from both his fine positioning and Bertrand’s accurate pass to slot home and stun the sluggish visitors.

Antonio Conte’s men appeared at best unfazed by Saints taking the lead, but, try as they might, the Blues failed to kick into gear.

Alvaro Morata headed over the bar tamely, while