Chelsea Player Ratings vs PAOK: Here’s how the Blues fared
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored his first goal for Chelsea and Olivier Giroud netted a brace as the Blues thumped PAOK 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday evening at Stamford Bridge.
Giroud netted twice for the hosts in the space of 10 minutes following Yevhen Khacheridi’s early sending off for the visitors. Hudson-Odoi got into the act near the hour mark before the youngster clipped in a cross for substitute Alvaro Morata, who powerfully headed home with his first touch of the game.
Chelsea, already assured of top spot in Group L prior to BATE Borisov’s win over Videoton, have now won five from five in Europe under Maurizio Sarri.
Chelsea Player Ratings vs PAOK
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 5/10
He had absolutely nothing to do during the full game.
Davide Zappacosta- 5/10
Had a lot of joy down the right but his end product was disappointing. Showed a lot of energy.
Gary Cahill- 5/10
Cahill literally had very little to do but he stayed strong and dealt well with Prijovic.
Andreas Christensen- 6/10
Just like Cahill, Christensen had very little to do defensively. Looked composed in possession and played some really good passes out from the back.
Emerson Palmieri- 7/10
Emerson was a bundle of energy down the left, combining very well with Hudson-Odoi. Put in some dangerous crosses in the box and defended well when required.
Cesc Fabregas- 9/10
Simply oozed class with his distribution of the ball. The Spaniard dictated the tempo of the game with his elegant passing and crossing abilities. PAOK getting down to 10 men become tailor-made for Fabregas.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 8/10
Used his strength to good effect while carrying the ball from midfield. Tested the PAOK goalkeeper with two good shots and was a real thorn for the opposition defenders.
Ross Barkley- 6/10
Kept things simple and tidy in the engine room but against a relatively weaker opposition, more was expected from the former Everton man.
Callum Hudson-Odoi- 9/10
Given the opportunity to show his worth, Hudson-Odoi scored his first senior goal for Chelsea. Should have scored another but his shot hit the woodwork. Capped a sizzling performance by assisting Morata’s goal.
Pedro- 7/10
Pedro stretched the PAOK backline with his raw pace and directness. He was a willing runner and a constant threat going forward. Faded a bit in the second half, though.
Olivier Giroud- 8/10
Proved his worth with two really good goals that will do a lot good to his confidence.
Substitutes
Ethan Ampadu- 6/10
Replaced Zappacosta and slotted in well at right-back. Did very well.
Willian- 4/10
Good energy after coming on but didn’t do anything noteworthy.
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Alvaro Morata- 5/10
Scored with his first touch to ice Chelsea’s cake on the night.