Giroud scores twice in Chelsea’s first win under Lampard

Olivier Giroud scored twice as Chelsea beat St Patrick’s 4-0 in a pre-season friendly in Dublin – Frank Lampard’s first win as Blues boss. 

Mason Mount’s well worked goal put them ahead and Emerson doubled the lead before Giroud’s second-half brace.

Mateo Kovacic was the provider for the opener, evading two challenges before directing the ball through to Mount, who applied the finish.

Emerson made it 2-0 shortly after the half-hour mark with a low shot from near the edge of the penalty area.

Lampard made 11 changes at half-time and his team helped themselves to another goal midway through the second period when Giroud volleyed in Kenedy’s cross.

And Giroud added a late fourth, striding forward and hammering home after the hosts had given the ball away in midfield.

The lively Michy Batshuayi fired against the bar shortly before Mount’s goal and was denied by impressive first-half saves by St Patrick’s keeper Barry Murphy, who also pushed a shot from Ross Barkley on to the post.

The game rounded off Chelsea’s pre-season trip to Ireland and they will now travel to Japan for friendlies against Barcelona and local side Kawasaki Frontale.