Chelsea are destined to win the Europa League this season – if a certain scoring streak is anything to go by.

Olivier Giroud has scored in four straight European games for the Blues following his back-heeled finish against Malmo in Thursday night’s round of 32 first-leg fixture, a goal that proved to be the winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory.

The last time a player scored in four successive European fixtures for Chelsea, it was Victor Moses in 2012/13 – and they ended that season by lifting the Europa League trophy. Is this an omen?

Good sign or not, Giroud’s goal certainly puts them in good stead for this particular tie, as they hold a one-goal lead heading into the second leg at home.

The competition will be fierce, no doubt, with clubs like Lazio, Napoli, Sevilla, Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen among those vying for the trophy, along with fellow English side Arsenal.

But if Chelsea fans are feeling superstitious, Giroud’s scoring run provides hope that Maurizio Sarri’s first season in charge of the club will end with a trophy.