That it was Giroud who opened the scoring was fitting. Prior to kick-off no player had scored more goals than him in the competition this season; his magnificent header shortly after half-time not only separated the sides for the first time on the night, it also put him ahead of Luka Jovic as the Europa League’s top marksman in 2018/19.

‘I am proud of that,’ beamed Giroud.

‘I have had a lot of game-time in the Europa League this year and I always try to just step up and do my best for the team. I am the happiest man in the world.

‘It was a good cross from Emerson and I made a run to the front post. It was a nice header and I have to thank my team-mates for helping me to score those goals.’