Chelsea 1-0 Norwich: Olivier Giroud header returns Blues to winning ways and sends Frank Lampard's side four points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United in race for Champions League

  • Chelsea took advantage of Manchester United's slip up against Southampton with victory over Norwich 
  • Olivier Giroud headed Chelsea in front against relegated Norwich on the stroke of half-time on Tuesday night 
  • His goal proved enough for Frank Lampard's side as they close in on maintaining Champions League status 

Advertisement

There is nothing quite like a Court of Arbitration overruling to focus the mind.

The requirements for Champions League qualification are crystal clear after Manchester City had their two-year ban from European football rescinded on Monday. Finishing fifth doesn't get you in, it's top four or bust.

Chelsea, after this scrappy win over Norwich, look nailed on to eat at European football's top table again next season. 

Olivier Giroud celebrates with Jorginho after scoring Chelsea's winning goal on the stroke of half-time against Norwich

Olivier Giroud celebrates with Jorginho after scoring Chelsea's winning goal on the stroke of half-time against Norwich

The French striker makes a gesture after netting what proved to be the only goal of the game at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday

The French striker makes a gesture after netting what proved to be the only goal of the game at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday

Giroud netted with a diving header to give Chelsea a crucial three points in their bid to secure a top four finish this season

Giroud netted with a diving header to give Chelsea a crucial three points in their bid to secure a top four finish this season

Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul is given no chance as Giroud watches his header nestle into the back of the net for the hosts

Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul is given no chance as Giroud watches his header nestle into the back of the net for the hosts

MATCH FACTS, PLAYER RATINGS AND LEAGUE TABLE

CHELSEA (4-3-3): Kepa 6; Azpilicueta 7.5, Rudiger 7, Zouma 7, Alonso 7 (James 80); Loftus-Cheek 6.5 (Barkley 66, 6), Jorginho 6, Kovacic 6.5; Willian 7, Giroud 7 (Abraham 85), Pulisic 6.5 (Hudson-Odoi 81)


Subs not used: Caballero, Christensen, Pedro, Mount, Tomori

Goalscorers: Giroud 45 

Booked: Zouma, Kovacic

Manager: Frank Lampard 7

NORWICH (4-1-4-1): Krul 7.5; Aarons 7, Godfrey 6.5, Klose 7, Lewis 6.5; Tettey 6 (Stiepermann 79); Hernandez 6 (Pukki 79), McClean 6, Rupp 6 (Martin 88), Cantwell 7 (Buendia 71); Drmic 5.5 (Idah 79)

Subs not used: McGovern, Vrancic, Trybull, Thomas

Booked: Cantwell

Manager: Daniel Farke 6.5

Referee: Jon Moss 6.5

Man of the Match: Tim Krul

Season at a glance

  • Premier League
  • Premier League
  • Championship
  • League One
  • League Two
  • Scottish Premiership
  • Scottish Div 1
  • Scottish Div 2
  • Scottish Div 3
  • Ligue 1
  • Serie A
  • La Liga
  • Bundesliga

 

Advertisement

Manchester United and Leicester will have something to say about that, of course.

But ahead of the final 10 days of the season, Frank Lampard's side have their destiny in their own hands thanks to Olivier Giroud's solitary strike.

Even with no fans in the stadium you could sense the tension at Stamford Bridge. Champions League football means everything to this club, particularly to its owner.

And while this certainly wasn't the prettiest of triumphs, when all is said and done it could well be one of Chelsea's most vital.

Far from fluent and bundle of nerves, the Blues, albeit rather apprehensively, saw the job through. At the business end of the season - that is all that really matters.

Lampard was vociferous in his displeasure towards Chelsea's gutless display at Sheffield United at the weekend. Rightly so, too. 

New Chelsea boy Hakim Ziyech was present at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to watch his new team-mates in action

New Chelsea boy Hakim Ziyech was present at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to watch his new team-mates in action

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger (left) takes the ball under pressure as Norwich's Josip Drmic (right) tries to close him down

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger (left) takes the ball under pressure as Norwich's Josip Drmic (right) tries to close him down

Norwich defender Jamal Lewis is sent flying as Chelsea winger Willian puts pressure on his opposite number early on

Norwich defender Jamal Lewis is sent flying as Chelsea winger Willian puts pressure on his opposite number early on

It wasn't merely the 3-0 loss at Bramall Lane, but more the manner of it. Lampard helped rewrite this club's history, he knows the standards that are required.

His players, not necessarily in terms of quality, but rather through sheer resolve and mental fortitude provided the necessary response.

With Premier League games against Liverpool and Wolves left, Lampard will not be counting his chickens quite yet - but on this evidence they look more than capable of holding their nerve.

As we know, the pressure is off for Norwich; their relegation back into the Championship was confirmed by Sunday's thumping home defeat to West Ham.

In many ways, that was the danger for Chelsea heading into Tuesday night's encounter. Often, when the pressure is off, teams can lose their inhibitions.

In saying that, given Norwich had scored just 26 goals going into this encounter - it didn't appear Chelsea had too much to worry about.

Yet, for all their dominance here, the Blues flattered to deceive for large sections of the game as they toiled in breaching Norwich's low block. 

Norwich boss Daniel Farke uses a mini white board to demonstrate his tactical plan to his players during the drinks break

Norwich boss Daniel Farke uses a mini white board to demonstrate his tactical plan to his players during the drinks break

Norwich forward Todd Cantwell is sent flying by a sliding challenge from Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the first half

Norwich forward Todd Cantwell is sent flying by a sliding challenge from Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the first half

Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul gets down well to his left hand side to prevent Christian Pulisic from doubling Chelsea's lead

Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul gets down well to his left hand side to prevent Christian Pulisic from doubling Chelsea's lead

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard delivers instructions to English midfielder Ross Barkley during the drinks break

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard delivers instructions to English midfielder Ross Barkley during the drinks break

Two half chances, one for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and the other for Giroud were all the hosts had to show for their opening 20 minutes.

Lampard's agitation was clearly visible in his technical area. Understandably, of course, it was supposed to be far more straight forward than this.

Giroud squandered a good opportunity on the 30 minute mark, scooping over the bar following Cesar Azpilicueta's cut back.

Norwich, meanwhile, were an utter non-entity in an attacking sense. Any hope they had would likely come from a defensive mistake.

In fairness, there's been a few in recent weeks - on Tuesday night though Chelsea finally stood firm.

Gradually, Chelsea began to apply pressure. Christian Pulisic hit the bar, via a vital touch from Tim Krul, before Kurt Zouma headed Willian's corner narrowly wide from the resultant corner.

And then, on the stroke of half-time, the vital moment arrived - Giroud heading home Pulisic's cross from short range to ease the growing anxieties. 

Cantwell is shown a yellow card by referee Jonathan Moss as the relegated side battled in vain for a share of the spoils

Cantwell is shown a yellow card by referee Jonathan Moss as the relegated side battled in vain for a share of the spoils

Norwich's Drmic (left) attempts to put pressure on Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who was making a rare start for the Blues

Norwich's Drmic (left) attempts to put pressure on Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who was making a rare start for the Blues

Having looked like he was headed out of west London in January, the 33-year-old striker is playing a key role in steering Chelsea back into the Champions League, this his fourth goal since the restart.

You could almost hear Lampard puff out his cheeks in relief, turning towards his backroom team with a clenched fist after the Frenchman's goal, yet on the run of play Chelsea deserved their half-time advantage.

Todd Cantwell showed a couple of eye-catching touches down the right-hand side - but, not for the first time this season, he was Norwich's only bright spark. It'll be a travesty if he isn't playing Premier League football next term.

Rudiger and Willian squandered two decent opportunities soon after the restart as Chelsea picked up where they left off.

Giroud, from a Willian corner, thumped a header narrowly wide in the 52nd minute as Chelsea tried - but failed - to kill the game off.

Cesar Azpilicueta grazed the roof of Krul's net before Daniel Farke inexplicably substituted Cantwell in place of Emiliano Buendia.  

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic attempt to accelerate away from Norwich defender Max Aarons during the second period

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic attempt to accelerate away from Norwich defender Max Aarons during the second period

Chelsea winger Willian attempts to put pressure on Norwich's Onel Hernandez during Tuesday night's game in west London

Chelsea winger Willian attempts to put pressure on Norwich's Onel Hernandez during Tuesday night's game in west London

Chelsea continued to probe, but to little avail as the game entered the final 15 minutes.

Credit to Norwich for hanging tough; perhaps if they'd shown this level of fortitude all season they may still be in with a shout of staying up.

But that's an argument for another day - all eyes were transfixed on Chelsea. Would they buckle?

Had Pulisic or Marcos Alonso not been denied excellently by Krul then the closing stages would have been far more comfortable for the Blues.

But, in the end, the held on, just, to edge closer to a second successive season of Champions League football.

 
  • Tom Farmery

    Host commentator

22:08
FT: Chelsea 1-0 Norwich

All in all a fairly forgettable match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea never under threat but not flying either. Norwich didn't give it a go, which is the story of their season. Though at least they weren't so naive this evening and leave west London with just one goal conceded. Giroud's first-half header the difference and it's an important three points towards qualifying for next season's Champions League group stages.

22:01
Should have been it...

85min: James to Willian who plays the ball across the six-yard area only for Giroud to poke just wide of the Norwich goal. Giroud now makes way for Abraham. Giroud, despite scoring Chelsea's goal tonight, has been largely disappointing. James fizzes in a low cross moments after Abraham's introduction but the striker can't get to the ball to direct it home.

21:57
Ten minutes left...

80min: Chelsea still in control as this game starts to peter out. Should Norwich get back into this then it would be a travesty for Chelsea who have made life awkward for themselves here having missed chances to seal the points.

21:55
Chelsea slow things down and make a change

Azpilicueta replaced by James and Pulisic comes off for Hudson-Odoi. 

21:54
Change of plan for Norwich

Two strikers coming on for them. Idah and Pukki on for Hernandez and Drmic. Stiepermann is on for Tettey. Looks like Farke is going all out, finally.

21:48
Another good Azpilicueta delivery...

72min: And yet more uneasy and tentative defending from Norwich nearly gifts Chelsea a chance to double their lead. The right back's ball loops over the head of Godfrey but Giroud can't direct a header towards goal.

21:43
Barkley on for Loftus-Cheek

66min: First change of the evening as Barkley replaces Loftus-Cheek. Second half drinks break now with us, too. 

Cantwell was booked after catching Loftus-Cheek with a late challenge
21:41
Slight improvement for Norwich

65min: In terms of possession stats that is. They've had 38 per cent possession this half compared with 28 in the first. The trouble is they don't look much more dangerous with the extra 10 per cent. Chelsea remain in control and Azpilicueta has just shot over.

21:35
Cantwell booked but Zouma is also shown a yellow card

59min: One too many heavy touches for Cantwell as he goes to ground to regain possession only to slide in late on Loftus-Cheek.

Chelsea's Zouma follows him into the book with a foul on Aarons.

 

 

21:28
Willian with Chelsea's first chance of the second half

51min: Willlian takes advantage of Tettey dawdling on the ball by robbing him of possession. The Brazilian turns towards goal, unleashes a right-footed effort which deflects off the back of Lewis and over the Norwich goal. The resulting corner comes to nothing.

21:20
Back under way at the Bridge

Chelsea get us back started. Perhaps Norwich will take a risk this half...

21:05
HT: Chelsea 1-0 Norwich
Olivier Giroud's header is the difference for Chelsea at half-time against Norwich
21:03
GOAL: Giroud 45+3 (Chelsea 1-0 Norwich)

Finally, Chelsea are ahead. Just as I was writing how badly Chelsea have done in taking their chances for the half-time summary, Giroud goes and puts the record straight. After missing two decent chances to score earlier in the half, the France striker scores his sixth Premier League goal of the season. Pulisic supplied the cross and Giroud outmuscled Timm Klose to head past Krul.

20:58
Another chance wasted

41min: Giroud missed a good chance earlier and this one was even more glaring. As the ball bounced in the Norwich area, Giroud found space but the ball wasn't fully under control and all he could do was produce a tame effort that barely reached the six-yard area. The Frenchman screamed in frustration and rightly so.

20:52
Chelsea go close and force Norwich to scramble clear

35min: Azpilicueta flicks on Willian's corner, Loftus-Cheek somehow keeps the move alive at the back post but his header back into the six-yard area is eventually cleared by Norwich.

Norwich defending desperately but so far have kept the scoreline level as Krul makes a brilliant save to tip over a shot by Pulisic, who shot on the turn, before Zouma shoots wide following another corner.

Daniel Farke watches on nervously as his side are kept under pressure by Chelsea
20:46
Oh Olivier!

29min: Kovacic with a superb ball out to the right, which Azpilicueta quickly fizzes into the box, aimed at Giroud. The striker angles his body to shoot, sends a right boot at the ball but somehow manages to double kick it, sending a shot off target. A great chance there for Chelsea, who continue to dominate possession.

20:41
Cantwell down as the first half drinks break arrives

23min: Cantwell appears to have a problem and is down for a few seconds before getting to his feet. Seems as though he may have injured himself while playing a long pass forward. He looks to be ok now but if he has to go off then Norwich's route to Chelsea's goal will become even more difficult. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea continue to persist with a patient style which you'd assume they'll have to ditch should it still be 0-0 late into the second half. 

20:32
Chelsea pretty without reward... so far

15min: The pressure will no doubt show eventually but as it is, Chelsea, with 73 per cent of possession, are passing the ball around very nicely without really threatening the Norwich goal. A couple of times now Chelsea have made it to the outside of Norwich's area before those moves broke down. They're struggling to string together the correct passes to get closer to the Norwich goal. Alonso, perhaps a little frustrated, has just attempted a shot from just to the left of the Norwich area but that went out for a goal kick. 

Willian takes the ball past Norwich's Jamal Lewis in the first half
20:23
Norwich struggling to get out of their own half

7min: Chelsea have done a fine job so far of not giving Norwich much time at all to set themselves. Instead, Norwich have had to launch the ball long and hope Chelsea's defenders slip up. That hasn't happened so far and Chelsea continue to come forward in packs. 

Alonso and Azpilicueta both providing excellent options on the flanks although Giroud wasn't quick enough just now to get into the Norwich six-yard area to convert a cross by the left back.

20:19
Chelsea in control early on

3min: Chelsea have settled quickly, moving the ball out from defence and well into Norwich's half. First chance falls to Loftus-Cheek who heads wide following Azpiliceuta's cross from the right.

20:15
Under way at Stamford Bridge

Norwich get us started in west London.

19:57
McLean says Norwich must enjoy the occasion despite being relegated

Kenny McLean has told Sky Sports: 'It was a difficult weekend but we come to Stamford Bridge to play against a great Chelsea team and it's something we should enjoy. It's a chance for us to show that we're better than we have been since the restart.

'The results haven't been good enough but we need to try to remain as positive as possible and hopefully take a few results into next season. The criticism that's come our way has been deserved but we want to prove a point.'

19:46
Cheering on his new team-mates tonight, it's Hakim Ziyech
19:33
Lampard on Chelsea's pursuit of Champions League football and needing his players to be ready when called upon

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has told Sky Sports: 'We’re fighting for the Champions League spots for next season, and I want the players to be ruthless.

'It starts with the mentality. Having the right attitude and the right mentality cannot be played down in teams that want to be successful. It has to be there and it cannot be talent alone.

'When the pressure comes, it asks different questions of players. The main thing is to live right and to prepare right and to have a real steeliness about the group, whether you’re starting or whether you’re a sub. We want to improve now on what’s been a really good season up until now.'

19:31
Not matchday anymore without disinfectant sprayed on the goals
19:18
Norwich team news: Cantwell returns for the visitors
19:17
Chelsea team news: Willian, Giroud and Pulisic in attack
19:02
Good evening and welcome

This, on paper at least, is a banker for Chelsea. Norwich are down after being taken apart by West Ham at the weekend. 

They know no other way of playing than to attack and that will not be the best way to approach this fixture against Chelsea.

This is a big opportunity for Chelsea to extend the gap between them and Leicester and Manchester United. Dropping any points will be seen as failure this evening. Stay with me for all of the coverage, including team news which is due shortly.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa arrives at Stamford Bridge

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.