Emerson Palmieri enjoyed a strong Chelsea debut on Friday night.
The 23-year-old left-back – who completed his move from Roma to Stamford Bridge for £17.5m last month, as reported by the Daily Mail – looked sharp as the Blues tore Hull City apart inside the opening 45 minutes in their FA Cup fifth-round clash.
Chelsea were 4-0 up by half time, with goal No 4 coming courtesy of a Palmieri assist for Olivier Giroud.
The goal he’s been waiting for ?
Olivier Giroud opens his Chelsea account with a smart finish.
4-0 pic.twitter.com/bl1kINRvH5
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2018
Palmieri got to the byline and drilled in a low cross which Giroud elegantly diverted into the net at the near post.
It was Giroud’s first goal for his new club and he celebrated like a relieved man, while Palmieri looked equally pleased.
There were plenty of smiling faces in the crowd at Stamford Bridge too, but elsewhere in London Arsenal fans were weeping after witnessing one of their former heroes doing the business for their local rivals.
Multiple glum Gooners took to Twitter to express their dismay at the situation.
Giroud joined Chelsea from Arsenal for around £18m, according to Sky Sports, on transfer deadline day.
Look away Arsenal fan (or is it eat your hearts out?), Giroud has his first Chelsea goal. Tidy finish too!
— Robert Madoi (@robertmadoi) February 16, 2018
Giroud ???
— Fatima Hojeij (@GoonerHojeij) February 16, 2018
WHY DID WE SELL GIROUD FFS!!!????????
— Jake Sharpstöne (@JakeSharpstone) February 16, 2018
This breaks my heart ? ouh giroud https://t.co/xvfqj29l9q
— Diego Hernandez ? (@xDhjxx_) February 16, 2018