Lampard Admits To Having Selection Problem After Match-Winning Giroud Performance

Not for the first time this season, Giroud started from the bench but proved to be Chelsea’s savior on the night as his stoppage time header sent the Blues into the knockout stages of the competition after Sehrou Guirassy cancelled out Callum Hudson-Odoi’s first half opener for the visitors.

Giroud has dropped further down the pecking order since the summer arrival of Timo Werner, with Tammy Abraham preferred to leading the line in recent weeks.

The 34-year-old France international recently voiced his frustration at his lack of minutes at Stamford Bridge and conceded he could evaluate his future when the transfer window opens in January in order to remain in contention for his national team for the European championships.

But Lampard has been impressed with Giroud’s output and insists the former Arsenal man will get his chance as the season progresses.

"He does things like he does tonight, he's great for us," Lampard told BT Sport. "It wasn't just his goal when he came on but his hold-up play and physicality.

"I have a problem because Tammy [Abraham] is playing well and Olivier in the restart was incredible. I have two players fighting for the position, but it's a good problem.

"He'll get his minutes because of the amount of games. You saw the reaction to his goal, and that wasn't just because it was a late winner – it shows what he does day to day and what he means to the team."

Chelsea are back in action on Sunday when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.