The season yet to reach its halfway point and Chelsea is already perched seven points off the top this weekend.<\/p>\n
Olivier Giroud, the Blues’ battle-seasoned veteran, is brimming with unbridled optimism, with only one main preoccupation foremost in his mind \u2013 challenging for the Premier League title remains the penultimate ambition for 2020\/21.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old World Cup winner already has domestic and European honors bragging rights but the English league championship (he won the equivalent in France) has so far eluded his grasp.<\/p>\n
Chelsea important game today is vital in their quest to climb the table, taking on grizzled veteran supercoach Pep Guardiola’s Man City side who surrendered their crown to Liverpool last season when they were vanquished at the Bridge.<\/p>\n
\u2018Because of the fact Liverpool is not flying like the two previous years we can join the title race, that\u2019s my target,\u2019 Giroud emphatically declares.<\/p>\n
\u2018Obviously we need to learn from the disappointing results but we\u2019re not going to change our target because it\u2019s very tight. I also really want to win this Premier League, it\u2019s something I want a lot.\u2019<\/p>\n
Olivier Giroud scored his ninth goal in all competitions for Chelsea this season, but the Blues were compelled to settle for a point against Aston Villa. Frank Lampard, although disappointed they couldn’t hold on for the win, was consolably\u00a0 happier with his side’s application.<\/p>\n
Centre-forward Giroud shares his opinion on why it has so far been an open race.<\/p>\n
\u2018Firstly because there are no fans in the stadiums so maybe the smaller teams, if I can say that on paper, when they come to places like the Bridge or Anfield or the Emirates against the big teams they maybe play with less pressure. It is easier, that would explain the fact the Premier League is tight this year because of no fans, and also because nowadays the football has improved a lot and the smaller teams have improved a lot. The difference between the small teams and the big teams now is getting smaller and smaller.<\/p>\n
\u2018Also because Liverpool had two amazing years and now with the injuries and no proper break or preparation maybe they feel a bit tired. It\u2019s better for the other teams.\u2019<\/p>\n
For Chelsea to resolutely rally after recent disappointing results and return to the pristine form that served up 17 games unbeaten, the influence of the Blues’ most experienced team member behind the scenes is likely to play an important part, but as he has clearly shown again this season, he also has a part to play on the pitch when called upon.<\/p>\n
\u2018Nine goals in six starts is not bad, it\u2019s a good stat for a striker,\u2019 he says of his own form.<\/p>\n
\u2018We all look for the best statistics. The more efficient we are, the better for the team and obviously we have a lot of talented strikers and it\u2019s always a headache for the manager to pick and choose the right one, with different qualities up front and with also a good understanding and complement between strikers and wingers.<\/p>\n
\u2018The competition is good for everybody. It\u2019s nice to step up and to stay focused and give your best to stay in the team. For me I\u2019m very happy with scoring nine goals in six starts but I\u2019ve got to keep it up to help the team achieve our targets.<\/p>\n
\u2018As an experienced player, I\u2019ve been nine years now in the Premier League so I know the league very well, I just try to give advice when the younger players want it. If they need anything they know I\u2019m a good shoulder they can step on. I just want the best for the team, I just want to win this Premier League and I\u2019m here to help.\u2019<\/p>\n
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