REACTION: WE GAVE EVERYTHING

Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard, two key performers in yesterday 2-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton, felt we were deserved winners at Wembley, and the duo are now targeting getting their hands on the trophy next month.

It will be a repeat of the 2007 final as we face Manchester United, winners over Tottenham on Saturday, in the final on 19 May, with Giroud and fellow striker Alvaro Morata scoring in the second half to secure our third straight victory.

The Frenchman broke the deadlock inside the opening minute of the second half when he displayed fantastic footwork to get the better of four defenders, as well as goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, to fire us in front.

‘We played a good first half but we couldn’t finish the job, so we wanted to start strongly in the second half,’ said Giroud.

‘The manager just told us to keep going and to play our game. Eden gave me a good ball and after that, I just tried to avoid the players in front of me. I was pretty sure there were a lot of players around me so I wanted to try something. I got a little bit lucky but that’s what I wanted to do.’

As well as laying on the opening goal, Hazard was outstanding throughout and deservedly picked up the man of the match award.

The Belgian felt it was an afternoon on which the team showed exactly what they are capable of.

‘Yes, of course,’ he said. ‘We gave everything until the end. We played the second half very well, we got the goals and we controlled the whole game so we are satisfied. Now we go back to the league and then we can think about the final against Man United.

‘Southampton have good players, really good, so we had to be aware all the time. When you can score a second goal to close the game you need to do it, and we did. I’m very happy for the boys, the club, and the fans and we will enjoy the final, for sure.’