toptop
Chelsea
maintained their perfect record in Europa League Group E with a 4-0 win over
PAOK, who played for 83 minutes with 10 men.
Chelsea were rarely made to come out of second gear the moment Yevhen Khacheridi
was sent-off early on for a professional foul on Olivier Giroud. The striker
then went onto help himself to two goals (27, 37) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (59)
netted his first ever senior goal on a rare start before Alvaro Morata (78)
scored late on.
The result means Chelsea have secured top spot in Group L with a game to spare
while PAOK need to win their final game against BATE to stand any chance of
qualifying.
The raucous travelling fans had never tasted defeat on their previous two trips
to England but were in for a long night the moment Khacheridi hauled down Giroud
when the last man with just seven minutes gone. The referee had no choice but to
brandish a red card.
Player Ratings
Chelsea: Kepa (7), Zappacosta (7), Christensen (7), Cahill (7),
Emerson (7), Fabregas (7), Loftus-Cheek (8), Barkley (7), Pedro (7), Hudson-Odoi
(8), Giroud (8).
Subs: Ampadu (7), Willian (7), Morata (7)
PAOK FC: Paschalakis (6), Mayıs (4), Khacheridi (3), Crespo
(4), Vieirinha (4), Mauricio (6), Shakhov (4), Wernbloom (3), Jaba (6), El
Kaddouri (3), Prijovic (3).
Subs: Warda (6)
Man of the match: Callum Hudson-Odoi
From that moment on Chelsea laid siege to PAOK's goal. Giroud had already missed
two promising openings before curling his team in front with a cute left-footed
effort on 27 minutes. Hudson-Odoi - starting his first game since the Community
Shield - smacked an effort off the crossbar while Ruben Loftus-Cheek was denied
by a fantastic one-handed save by Alexandros Paschalkis.
Team news
Only goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga kept his place as Chelsea made 10 changes
including bringing in exciting youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi for his first start
since August.
The hosts doubled the lead on 37 minutes when Cesc Fabregas played a splendid
pass in behind for Giroud, who swept home first-time on the volley.
Hudson-Odoi got in on the act in the second half off the left wing to net his
first goal for the club. The exciting 18-year-old took a strike early from 15
yards which caught the goalkeeper unaware.
Hudson-Odoi went from scorer to creator on 78 minutes, teasing his defender
before whipping a quality ball into the box which was powerfully headed home by
substitute Morata.
Man of the match: Callum Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea may have found a superstar. At just 18 years old, the potential in the
boots of the tricky winger is pretty frightening. He revelled in the extra space
due to their early dismissal and linked with cleverly throughout with Emerson.
Frontmen are defined by their goals and assists, though, and Hudson-Odoi
delivered on that front too, striking one low for Chelsea's third before setting
up Morata with a devilishly precise cross. Let's hope Chelsea provide him with
the game-time his talent deserves.
What's next?
Chelsea are back in action at Stamford Bridge on Super Sunday, where they host
Fulham in one of three derbies on Sky Sports this weekend.
Click Here For Official Team Sheet
Teams
Chelsea Kepa, Zappacosta (Ampadu 63), Christensen, Cahill (c),
Emerson, Barkley, Fabregas, Loftus-Cheek, Pedro (Willian 66), Giroud (Morata
75), Hudson-Odoi
Subs Not Used Caballero, Alonso, Jorginho, Kovacic
Booked Cahill
Goals Giroud 27, 37, Hudson-Odoi 60, Morata78
PAOK FC Paschalakis, Matos, Khacheridi, Crespo, Vieirinha (c),
Mauricio (Pelkas 79), Wernbloom, Jaba, Shakov, El Kaddouri (Varela 75), Prijovic
(Warder 46)
Subs Not Used Rey, Bisewar, Akpom, Canas
Booked Wernbloom, Pelkas
Sent Off Khacheridi 7
Goals
Attendance 33,933
Referee Krito Tovher (Estonia)