Olivier Giroud "proud" of Chelsea comeback at Southampton

Olivier Giroud has declared himself "proud" of Chelsea's thrilling comeback in their 3-2 victory at Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

The shellshocked Blues were two goals down by the hour mark as Dusan Tadic and Jan Bednarek struck for the hosts.

However, Giroud came off the bench to score a brace, either side of Eden Hazard's left-footed finish, to help Antonio Conte's side to all three points.

"The beginning of the game was not what we wanted but in football you always have a chance to step up, to bounce back, so we showed great character and team spirit," Giroud told Sky Sports News.

"I used to say that football is an everlasting new beginning. You always need to question yourself, I've been through some difficulties in my career. I try to comeback stronger and it happened today. I'm pleased for me and the team.

"It was tough for us, the second for them was difficult. The most important thing is never give up, believe in our quality, play our game and I am proud of what we have done today with our amazing support.

"I said when I came on to Eden Hazard we need to fight to the end keep believing. I didn't tell him we would score, but our first goal put us in that position. As long as it is mathematically possible we will believe we can reach the top four. We take the games one by one. We have got five or six finals to play after that we will see."

Chelsea are now within seven points of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League table.