Frank Lampard's bold Olivier Giroud decision proves key to Chelsea's top four bid

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Giuseppe Muro14 July 2020

Chelsea let their Champions League fate slip from their grasp when they lost 3-0 at Sheffield United on Saturday.

But Leicester losing 4-1 at Bournemouth, Manchester United drawing 2-2 with Southampton and this win means the Blues will go into the final week of the Premier League season in third place and with their destiny in their own hands.

It threatened to be a frustrating night before Olivier Giroud broke the deadlock just before half-time and it was still nervy after that as Norwich hung in there.

Chelsea were not at their best but at this stage of the season it was all about the result. Lampard demanded a response from his players after their defeat at Bramall Lane.

It was not a vintage display but his side responded to secure a huge three points. Lampard can now sit back and watch how Leicester and Manchester United respond later this week.

Pos Team P W D L GD Pts
3 Chelsea 36 19 6 11 16 63
4 Leicester City 35 17 8 10 29 59
5 Man Utd 35 16 11 8 26 59
6 Wolves 35 14 13 8 12 55
7 Sheffield Utd 35 14 12 9 5 54
8 Tottenham 35 14 10 11 9 52

Giroud now Chelsea's key man

It is easy to forget Olivier Giroud was close to leaving Chelsea in January.

The France international wanted to leave Stamford Bridge in search of regular football, but Frank Lampard told him he wanted him to stay.

And since Giroud was recalled to the starting line-up against Tottenham in February, he has scored six goals in 10 Premier League games and has made the difference at crucial times for Chelsea since the restart.

He began the restart as first choice ahead of Tammy Abraham and is proving a key man in Chelsea’s pursuit of a top-four finish.

PA

Chelsea’s decision not to sell him in January could in the end prove a key factor in them securing Champions League football next season.

Blues bring the noise

Frank Lampard had called on his players to turn up the noise at Stamford Bridge and he will have been encouraged to hear them being more vocal with each other on the pitch.

AP

Lampard said he could “only hear Sheffield United voices” during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.

Chelsea have been too quiet this season but from the off it was noticeable that they got the message from Lampard.

In an empty Stamford Bridge, you could hear Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta and Jorginho barking out instructions to their team-mates.

Norwich were louder but this was an improvement on Sheffield United.

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