CHELSEA went eight games unbeaten since Thomas Tuchel took over as head coach after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League.
They got the vital ‘away’ goal to take back to Stamford Bridge on March 17th, and Tuchel will be very pleased with the result in the relocated Bucharest clash.
Olivier Giroud deserves a new deal after his brilliant winner against Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Giroud is a vital player for Chelsea and deserves another extensionCredit: EPA
It doesn’t tell the whole story though, as once again the German boss cut a frustrated figure at times in the first half with Chelsea misplacing pass after pass, and looking clueless in the final third once again.
This has been a bit of a theme from the last few games for this Chelsea side, and they have really lacked any kind of creativity and finesse.
The build-up play was good tonight, and they totally bossed possession against a good team. But it looked like being the same story as time went on and they did not look like scoring.
That is of course until Olivier Giroud popped up with a world-class overhead scissor kick to win it, reiterating exactly what he brings to this team and exactly what he can do.
Chelsea needed it, and they needed a touch of proven quality to end all their hard work in possession. Atletico were there for the taking, and Giroud made sure they took it.
His contract is up at the end of the summer, and this is another stark reminder and message to the decision makers at the club that must to try and persuade him to stay.
Every team needs a Giroud in their squad.
When things are getting frustrating and you cannot see where a goal is going to come from, up steps the French World Cup winner to show you what he does best.
Chelsea do not have another type of striker like Giroud, one who is physically built, holds the ball up, and can be a world class finisher of a chance.
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You would think that the Chelsea board will be doing all they can to try and keep him at the club for another year.
Because despite what new strikers might arrive or be pursued by Chelsea, you always feel that Giroud is a needed experienced figure in the squad.
Whether he will want to stay and play a bit-part role as he has been doing is another question, but I am sure the thoughts are there on both sides now.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
