Olivier Giroud may not be every Chelsea fan’s idea of the quintessential striker but he sure is effective at what he does.
Under Maurizio Sarri this season, the Frenchman has had to make do with a bit-part role and although his contract expires in June, Chelsea are keen to retain his services.
3
Chelsea are more effective when Giroud plays
First, he alternated for a starting berth with Alvaro Morata and, since January, he has had to play second-fiddle to Gonzalo Higuain.
Even Eden Hazard, a midfielder, has been preferred in the striking role ahead of the former Arsenal man.
LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS
However, he was recalled to the starting XI for the match against Brighton at Stamford Bridge and opened the scoring minutes before half-time.
It was only his second Premier League goal of the season, his first coming against Tottenham back in November and recent figures back up his claims for a more regular role in the team.
According to reddit.com, Chelsea have found the net more often per minute when he has featured.
3
Giroud scored just his second Premier League goal of the season against Brighton
The World Cup winner has played 789 minutes of football in the top-flight this season and Chelsea have scored 23 times, making it a goal every 34.3 minutes.
In that time, he has played 90 minutes just twice and started just seven league games.
But, without him, the Blues have hit the back of the net 31 times in 2091 minutes, which equates to a goal every 67.4 minutes, numbers which suggest Chelsea are actually better when he is playing.
It’s not too surprising either. Giroud has carved out a reputation as being more than just goals.
His failure to score last summer at the World Cup in Russia did little to hamper France, with his physical presence and link-up play considered key factors in helping them to win the tournament for a second time.
International boss Didier Deschamps knows he needs the forward to facilitate the performances of Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe.
3
Giroud assisted two of Hazard’s three goals against Cardiff
Back in September, Giroud had one of his best games in a Chelsea shirt and while he did not get on the score-sheet that day against Cardiff, he did assist two for Hazard, who netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 win and the Belgian praised his team-mate.
“Olivier’s a target man, maybe the best in the world; I think so,†said Hazard.
“When he gets the ball he can hold the ball and we can go in deep with him, so for us it’s a pleasure to play with him.
Maybe Sarri doesn’t quite think so right now but we’d suggest he may be the right man to get the Blues a top four spot thanks to his all-round displays.
Hazard scored twice past his former teammate as Chelsea sliced through Arsenal in the second half of the Europa League final on Wednesday, netting four times in the space of 23 minutes to win 4-1
Arsenal team news and predicted line up for Europa League
Ledley King says Maurico Pochettino is "vitally important" to Tottenham's future after leading them to a Champions League final. Play Super 6 Predict 6 correct scores for your chance to win £250K.
Ledley King gives Tottenham fans first look inside new home
Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock has likened Mohamed Salah to Olympic diver Tom Daley after his side's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. Gini Wijnaldum opened the scoring for Liverpool in the second half before James Milner sealed the win with a late penalty after Sean Morrisson fouled Salah in the box.
Tottenham transfer news: 'Christian Eriksen is NOT a priority signing for Real Madrid - Paul Pogba is,' talkSPORT told by: 161385360554578 — Talk Sport 5 Jun Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen is NOT a priority signing for Real Madrid this summer, talkSPORT has been told.
Real Madrid transfer news: Why Tottenham's Christian Eriksen
preview.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/real-madrid-transfer-news-christian-eriksen-tottenham-paul-pogba-manchester-united-a8948456.html
Real Madrid transfer news: Why Tottenham's Christian Eriksen is new priority ahead of Man Utd's Paul Pogba. The fact Eriksen has one year on his deal and has now been so open about wanting a step up greatly tilts the situation
Real Madrid news: Christian Eriksen warned Tottenham transfer
PFA Young Player of Year award nominees revealed: Liverpool, West Ham, and Manchester City stars included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, and Raheem Sterling all included in shortlist
PFA Player of the Year: Shortlist revealed as Liverpool and
How Arsenal's previous loan signings have fared after Denis Suarez's disastrous spell. Junichi Inamoto was the first Arsenal loanee of the 21st century but who was the best to wear the Gunners
Denis Suarez to Arsenal: Gunners to finalise deal for
The latest on Jan Vertonghen's injury after Tottenham's win over Ajax 101 Great Goals 16:05 9-May-19 Tottenham star a doubt for Champions League final against Liverpool after leaving Ajax on crutches Liverpool Echo 15:53 9-May-19
Spurs confirm no concussion for Vertonghen; will miss
Should Moyes have gone for more players, especially given the injuries to AJ and McFadden, and Beattie's poor form? I would have liked to see us bring a striker in for sure, but who could we have got? Nugent, who we might have gone for, was not available. Very few quality strikers have changed hands during this transfer window.
News of medicine | Sport news | Health Centre ROS
Paul Pogba will cost Real Madrid £130million as Manchester
Alan Brazil refuses to apologise to Man Utd star Paul Pogba for what he said on talkSPORT. The presenter was scathing in his criticism of Pogba on a number of occasions last year
How Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team could look next season with
Aston Villa fan claims Tyrone Mings is 'on par with Virgil van Dijk' and tips promoted club for top four fin; Cesc Fabregas gives brutal verdict on the current state of affairs at Chelsea: 'Something needs to change' Tottenham vs Liverpool: 'Harry Kane should NOT start Champions League final even if he is fit', says Glenn Hod
Aston Villa fan claims Tyrone Mings is on par with Virgil van
Manchester City board member Alberto Galassi has described speculation linking the club's manager Pep Guardiola with a move to Juventus as "unfounded." The Italian champions will be on the hunt
Pep Guardiola echoes Jose Mourinho with Community Shield
No comments:
Post a Comment