OLIVIER GIROUD rewrote history as the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick.
But not content with that, the evergreen Frenchman continued his one-man blitz by scoring the fourth on a stunning night for Chelsea.
Olivier Giroud bagged an incredible four goals before being taken off late onCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Olivier Giroud doubles Chelsea’s lead in Sevilla with an even better finish than his fine openerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea striker makes it 4-0 from the penalty spot to complete his dream nightCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Giroud struck with his left foot, right foot, his head and then a cheeky penalty as he grabbed the limelight in style with a perfect performance to match his perfect hair.
But even the elegant World Cup winner who always seems totally in control could not have dreamed this night would end this way.
He was subbed immediately after his 83rd minute spot kick to an ovation from the Chelsea bench to underline his virtuoso display.
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The victory secured top spot in Group E for the team but there is no doubt that Giroud’s artistry overshadowed everything else – and rightly so.
He had the last word in last week’s Champions League win in his homeland against Rennes with an injury time winner.
And as Chelsea returned to European action he had the first word with an eighth minute goal that was scored with the lightest of touches swapped between his feet before curling home from 15 yards out.
Ten minutes into the second half he got the second with his right and a neat flick.
Nineteen minutes later an exquisite header from in between two defenders made it three at a ground where English teams have historically struggled.
It is perhaps no surprise that in the 83rd minute Sevilla had had enough and chopped down their nemesis, only for that to go Giroud’s way with a penalty that was neatly converted.
Happily for us mortals, he didn’t have it all his own way.
Euro goals specialist Olivier Giroud enjoys his treble tonic before rounding things off for himself and Chelsea later with a penaltyCredit: Rex Features
Olivier Giroud heads home to complete his perfect hat-trick but soon went one betterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Frank Lampard protests as Chelsea battled to hold onto a 1-0 lead but was soon roaring his approval as Olivier Giroud completed a four-goal blitzCredit: Reuters
Chelsea starter Callum Hudson-Odoi wriggles clear of Sevilla’s Franco Vazquez in this ultimately one-sided Champions League group tieCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Giroud’s attempt at a knee-slide goal celebration after his second went disastrously wrong when his leg got caught in the turf and sent the normally supremely balanced star tumbling.
That’s what happens when old men try to dance but Giroud laughed it off and no wonder.
These goals will do wonders for his self-confidence with a performance that proves he can still deliver on the big stage despite his lack of game time under boss Frank Lampard this season.
In contrast it might provide a few nervy weeks ahead for Lampard as Inter Milan sniff around the frustrated star with just a few weeks to go until the January transfer window opens.
Olivier Giroud arrives to reward Chelsea’s fine start with an eighth-minute openerCredit: Reuters
Keeper Edouard Mendy nips in to save Chelsea as Karim Rekik and Yousseff En-Nesyri hover for Sevilla Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Cesar Azpilicueta helps Olivier Giroud celebrate his early Chelsea opener in SevillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Giroud wants first team football because he wants to play for France at Euro 2020 next summer.
The oldest outfield player on the books who looked destined to leave the club last season over his lack of action is refusing to grow old gracefully.
His five goals in the last two matches are as many as his strike partner but first team rival Tammy Abraham has scored all season.
Giroud also nicked a record off his boss Lampard by becoming the first Chelsea player to score four goals in a match since his manager in 2010.
Statistics aside, Giroud offers so much to the front line and sent a huge message around European football with his game last night. He still has so much to offer.
Modest as ever Giroud refused to discuss his chances of playing against Leeds at home on Saturday.
Lampard has called on his players to give him a selection headache with play to give him a dilemma.
There should be no argument about Giroud on this kind of form. Lampard says he cannot afford to worry about the consequences of not playing certain members of his squad but he cannot afford not to in this case.
Giroud’s magical night will have clubs all around Europe waking up again to his talents.
Frank Lampard reacts to Olivier Giroud masterclass in Chelsea’s 4-0 win at Sevilla
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
