Olivier Giroud’s first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Chelsea against Norwich City on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge.

The victory means Chelsea are four points clear of fourth-placed Leicester City who are separated by goal difference with Manchester United in fifth place following the Red Devils inability to enter top four after a 2-2 draw with Southampton last Monday.

Norwich approached the game with a defensive strategy and blocked Chelsea’s passing lanes which made it difficult for the Blues to adapt to their normal attacking game.

It was until first-half injury time that Giroud scored the only goal of the game, and the striker spoke of persistence in such fortified fixture.

"We needed to be patient, and play our game, moving the ball quick against a team who played with a deep block. We created a lot of chances but it was important to score before half-time.

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"We should've scored more goals but I think the team was a bit under pressure as we know we needed to win. We're happy but I did miss a couple of chances. I tried to just stay focus and I managed to anticipate the cross from Christian. 

The goal was Giroud’s sixth in 16 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League this season. After the side’s 3-0 loss to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, the forward addressed that lessons have been learned and such mistakes could not be made especially as the contest for top four keeps intensifying.

"I always work hard and I always believe. I'm very pleased with the goal to help the team win this game. We really wanted to bounce back after the defeat to Sheffield United. We made mistakes in that game so we just tried to not do that again,” he ended.