Benfica were horrible in both matches, easy meat for both teams that beat them. Monaco was a much better organised and motivated team that is approaching match fitness, so the challenge was always going to be very different.

Giroud on the bench now we have Alexis is an absolute no-brainer, except maybe in a scrotefest against the orcs or pub matches like that. Unbelievably, Alexis is better in the air than Giroud. I don't know how that can be but it's true. He's also twice as fast over the first 5 yards, is prepared to defend from the front and has an immaculate first touch. There's no realistic argument here, Alexis is always going to give us more up top than Giroud.

But I think Ox was the standout player. He looks fit, eager, confident and his directness terrifies defenders. He must start wide, it's a sin to play him in the middle where his pace can't be exploited. His position is wide right.