Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud scored the game-winning goal against Norwich City and celebrated by dedicating the goal to his teammate and Scrabble teammate N’Golo Kante.
Giroud received a starting position before Tammy Abraham for the crucial meeting at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea needing three points to strengthen their grip on a place in the top four.
And the Frenchman returned faith to manager Frank Lampard, who was on his way home from the Christian Pulisic junction in the first half of the time to deliver the Blues the first game.
The 33-year-old man was seen performing a strange celebration, appearing to write a note in the air in the direction of Kante.
Kante, a close friend of Giroud’s who had played together at international and club levels, was excluded from the clash with a hamstring injury.
Explaining the celebration, Giroud told Sky Sports: “It’s just that I play Scrabble with N’Golo Kante and I took aim at him. That’s it!”
Kante was one of several Chelsea players on the stand, along with new signing Hakim Ziyech, watching the Blues four points from Manchester United and Leicester with two games to go.
(PENNSYLVANIA)
Despite being unable to put the game beyond doubt, Giroud was pleased with the team’s response after a poor display in his loss to Sheffield United.
He added: “We really wanted to bounce back, we played a good team at Sheffield United and they played well, very efficient against the goal.”
“We made mistakes in that game and tried not to do it again.”
“Today’s focus and determination were high, cohesion was good.
“The most important thing was three points tonight to be honest with you and now we are relieved.”
.
