Giroud delighted with big goal in 'big result' for Chelsea’s Champions League aspirations

Chelsea's impressive 3-0 win against Watford on Saturday night saw the Blues regain fourth position in the Premier League table after high-flying Manchester United (now nine unbeaten in the league, with six wins) had temporarily moved up earlier in the day.

It was certainly a crucial result for Lampard’s Blues, especially after Wednesday night’s disappointing performance against West Ham. Olivier Giroud opened the scoring with a neat far post finish, continuing his great form from just before the lockdown. He has now scored in four of his last six Premier League starts and is surely expected to start the team’s remaining five games in the league this season.

With Tammy Abraham nowhere near his early season form, we’re going to need the veteran striker to keep turning back the clock and performing to his high standard (with or without scoring).

"It’s a big result. We needed a win to bounce back straightaway after the defeat at West Ham. We started the game well, we created a few chances, and we were efficient. We could have scored more goals, but there were some nice combinations around the box and we scored good goals.

"Every single goal will count until the end in the final sprint. We have it in our hands to play the Champions League next season, and we want to take it, starting with this game."

Ross Barkley is another player who has been impressive since the restart, and on Saturday chipped in with a perfect assist as well as a late goal to set the final score. Barkley’s fantastic vision and skillful pass for Giroud's goal and fine finish to wrap up the result did not go unappreciated.

"It’s a great feeling when you score. I like to do that run. Ross had great vision, he gave me a good ball, and I managed to put it in. I’m happy for him, and for him to score at the end.

“I have a good relationship with him on the pitch, we’re mates also, and I love playing here with Ross."

One can only presume that Giroud has a good relationship with all the players. His dressing room presence and leadership is one of the reasons Chelsea were willing to extend his contract and one of the reasons it was so important that he stay in January.

The 33-year-old was all set to leave before his deal fell through, but has taken full advantage of the opportunities given by the head coach since staying. Lampard promised those minutes and delivered, with Giroud in turn delivering goals and wins — though the speculation about his future hasn’t completely gone away.

"He just wants to win again and again, he’s a competitor. He has tried to give us passion and his great mentality, to always improve.

"It’s nice for me also because he told me he would give me a chance, and he did. I have a good relationship with him and I think we can do great things all together."

-Olivier Giroud; source: Chelsea FC

Well then, let's do great things together and get that top-four position sealed!