The eight-year itch: Giroud's unfinished business with Chelsea

Giroud left behind fond memories in the Premier League, but there's a lingering bitterness whenever he lines up against Chelsea – a team that handed him the biggest title of his club career, ironically. A twist of fate, perhaps, but one that adds weight to a personal drought stretching back eight years.

Chelsea, LAFC's first opponents in the tournament, are the source of a long-standing frustration for him. His last goal against them came in the 90th minute of a 3-1 defeat with Arsenal – over eight years ago, on 4 February 2017.

Fewest direct goal involvements vs Chelsea

Statistically, Chelsea are the team Giroud has struggled against the most. No side among English football's elite has proven more elusive: just one goal and one assist across his career.

That solitary assist set up Aaron Ramsey's winner in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 27 May 2017 – a rare bright moment in an otherwise bleak record against his Stamford Bridge bogey side.

Giroud has suffered nine defeats at the hands of Chelsea – more than against any other of the Big Six. Whether or not he starts for LAFC, the Frenchman will have a chance this summer to confront – and perhaps lay to rest – the eight-year curse that continues to cast a shadow over his otherwise decorated legacy.