Former Arsenal striker against José Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur - the recipe for an inevitable plot twist that even Frank Lampard could see.
Olivier Giroud might have been a surprise inclusion, but he was a menace throughout Chelsea's 1-0 win over Tottenham and it was the World Cup winner's opening goal which set the Blues on the right track at Stamford Bridge.
The 33-year-old had only made eight appearances across all competitions, but Giroud showcased why European football's biggest clubs were looking at his signature in January and why he'll be starting for France at Euro 2020.
Giroud stunningly showed he's more than capable of offering a threat in behind defences in the build-up to his opening goal, seeing an initial right-footed shot saved by Hugo Lloris before being his compatriot at his near post.
The Frenchman was a constant nuisance for Tottenham's three centre-backs, but it was Giroud's ability to stick to Toby Alderweireld specifically which was crucial in Chelsea's game plan, freeing up space for Mason Mount and Ross Barkley to press on the front foot.
Giroud was the catalyst for Chelsea to pick up a crucial win in the London derby, helping to strengthen their hold on the top four, but it's a sign that it could be too little too late from Lampard's side.
14 - Olivier Giroud has been directly involved in 14 goals in his last 14 starts for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring 10 and assisting four. Entrusted. #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/5iZWcSd253
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 22, 2020
The Chelsea boss has given Michy Batshuayi preferential treatment this season and continued to include the Belgian in his first-team squad, leaving Giroud on the fringes of Lampard's squad and even on the brink of a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Had the 33-year-old been brought in much sooner, Chelsea could have avoided dropping points needlessly at home the season - that's been their Achilles heel - as well as against their top-six rivals, which would have them in a much better position in the hunt for Champions League football.
Even in the twilight stages of his career, Giroud has aged like a fine wine and he brings something unique to a youthful Chelsea side who have rightly received plaudits this season, but still at times show damaging inexperience.
Giroud hasn't just sent a message to Lampard that he can still offer something in the first team this season, but the former Arsenal striker might have to be Chelsea's go-to striker until the summer if they want to cling on to their place in the top four.
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Source : 90min