The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
BLUES BEAT CANARIES BY A HEAD
EPL: Chelsea edge past Canaries
Olivier Giroud wasted a hat-trick of chances before heading Chelsea to a 1-0 home win over Norwich to boost the Blues’ Champions League qualification hopes.
Giroud nodded in Christian Pulisic’s teasing cross for his third goal in as many league starts, easing Chelsea’s lingering pain from Saturday’s 3-0 humbling at Sheffield United.
Leicester’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth and Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Southampton had handed Frank Lampard’s men a double reprieve after their comprehensive loss at Bramall Lane.
The Blues had no business wasting such an unexpected opportunity to cement third place in the table against the already-relegated Canaries, and boss Lampard knew as much – making five changes from the weekend’s frustrating defeat.
For much of the first half both Chelsea and Giroud appeared to be heading for an agonising evening, but then the France hitman headed home and the entire mood around Stamford Bridge changed.
Chelsea now boast a four-point lead on both fourth-placed Leicester and United in fifth, though both those teams have an extra game left to play.
On another night Giroud could have had four, but in the end his solitary headed goal could wind up finally pushing the Blues into next term’s Champions League.
Chelsea boss Lampard said the win was everything as his side look to stay in the top four.
He said: “At this stage of the season, results are critical and we didn’t concede any chances of big note for them to let them score a goal.
“We created a few ourselves, we get our one goal, maybe we could get more, we could do a bit better with our quality, it was OK and professional.”
When asked about his missed chances in front of goal, Giroud added: “I missed some things sometimes I didn’t miss usually, a lack of confidence maybe, but my desire to score was bigger so I just tried to stay focused.
“On the great cross of Christian, I just anticipate well and I score this header.
“Always believe, always working hard and that’s one of my mottos and I’m very pleased with that goal tonight and for the team to win this game.”