Olivier Giroud put Chelsea closer to Champions League qualification by sealing a 1-0 victory over relegated Norwich on Tuesday.
Giroud headed in Christian Pulisic’s cross from the left wing in first-half stoppage time to move the third-place west London club four points ahead of Leicester and Manchester United, who both play on Thursday.
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Olivier Giroud put Chelsea closer to Champions League qualification by sealing a 1-0 victory over relegated Norwich on Tuesday.
Pulisic was Chelsea's most threatening player, having had an effort tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Tim Krul before the opener. The American was also denied by Krul from a volley in the second half.
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Norwich City's goalkeeper Tim Krul, left, saves a shot from Chelsea's Christian Pulisic, centre, during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London, England, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP PhotoJulian Finney,Pool)
Players in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London, England, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP PhotoRichard Heathcote,Pool)
“A great cross from Christian I anticipated well,” said Giroud, who had missed several chances before then.
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud, centre, heads the ball into the goal to score his team's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London, England, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP PhotoAdam Davy,Pool)
Pulisic was Chelsea's most threatening player, having had an effort tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Tim Krul before the opener. The American was also denied by Krul from a volley in the second half.
But Giroud's goal proved enough to ensure Chelsea made an instant recovery from a 3-0 loss at Sheffield United on Saturday in the pursuit of one of the four Champions League qualification places.
“I want more, but that can wait,” Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said. “I want a bit more quality.”
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud, centre, heads the ball into the goal to score his team's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London, England, Tuesday, July 14, 2020.(AP PhotoJulian Finney,Pool)
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Chelsea's Olivier Giroud, right, is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London, England, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP PhotoRichard Heathcote,Pool)
Norwich City's goalkeeper Tim Krul, left, saves a shot from Chelsea's Christian Pulisic, centre, during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London, England, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP PhotoJulian Finney,Pool)
Players in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London, England, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. (AP PhotoRichard Heathcote,Pool)