Why this Chelsea player was lauded for involvement in opener vs West Brom

Holly Clancy,

On a night where it is win or bust for Antonio Conte at Chelsea, his side lead West Bromwich Albion at half-time courtesy of Eden Hazard.

The Blues broke the deadlock after 25 minutes, with some wonderfully worked, intricate play resulting in the Belgian slotting home his tenth goal of the season.

However, it was Olivier Giroud who got the plaudits for his involvement in the goal, as he produced a fine bit of link up play to help put Chelsea ahead.

Chelsea’s goal

Giroud demonstrated exactly why Conte was so desperate to add a player of his ilk, as he produced an excellent piece of hold-up play to set-up Hazard.

The 27-year-old spun off the Baggies’ back-line, charging into the penalty area before combing with the Frenchman to lash the ball home from just a few yards out.

This season, Chelsea have struggled to find a settled number 9, with both Alvaro Morata and Michy Batshuayi failing to make an impact at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea supporters will be hoping that Giroud can provide that much-needed spark in attack as they look to secure a spot in this season’s top four.

Link-up play

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