Chelsea have one foot firmly planted in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals with a thumping 3-0 victory over Ukranian side, Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri’s men had a rather quiet evening but got the job done when it mattered. Pedro got the first goal in the 17th minute. This was followed by a formidable free-kick goal from Willian. Youngster Hudson Odoi scored the third and final goal in the dying moments of the game.
The away side seemed to have a very lethargic and ineffective approach to the game. The failed to test Chelsea shot-stopper, Kepa Arrizabalaga even once!
The return leg will be played next week at the Dynamo Stadium. The Kiev-based side will face an uphill task in the return leg where they would try to turn around a three-goal deficit. Even one goal from Chelsea next week would put the tie to bed.
Here’s how we at T4O feel Chelsea rated in their comfortable 3-0 victory.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6/10
The Spanish goalie had nothing to do for the entirety of the game. The Dynamo Kyiv side left him unattended and untroubled.
David Zappacosta – 7/10
Started off the game brightly but did not have much to offer while attacking, whereas defensively he was barely tested. Only managed one decent cross into the path of Pedro.
Andreas Christensen – 7/10
Christensen put in a rock-solid performance in the back for Chelsea. The defender was calm and seemed right on top of his game.
David Luiz – 8/10
The Brazilian had an excellent night. The game was a wonderful display of his long-range passing abilities.
Marcos Alonso – 7/10
The Spaniard had an average evening at Stamford Bridge. He barely had any contribution to the game even while attacking.
Mateo Kovacic – 7/10
The Real Madrid loanee had a point to prove this evening. He showed his dribbling skills on quite a few occasions during the game but did not really make the most of his runs.
Jorginho – 7/10
The midfielder was allowed complete freedom in the centre of the park with an ample amount of time on the ball to decide his next move. This allowed him to dictate the tempo of the game.
Ross Barkley – 6/10
The former Everton man found himself in good space on a handful of occasions. However, did not have much to contribute to the proceedings.
Pedro – 9/10
Was by a country mile the best player on the field. Seemed really charged up and motivated for this Europa League fixture.
Olivier Giroud – 8/10
The French striker once again proved his worth to Chelsea by providing a precise pass to Pedro to set-up the first goal. Giroud did not have many chances of his own in the game.
Willian – 7/10
Willian seemed determined in the first half to prove his abilities. However, it did not seem to be working for him. He only needed a moment of magic, in the end, to make it a special night for himself and Chelsea fans. The Brazilian curled in a beautiful freekick around the 65th minute.
Substitutes
Ruben Loftus Cheek – 7/10
Made a few nice runs into the box. Made a pinpoint pass for Hudson Odoi’s goal.
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
Once again put it a decent performance after coming on in the 62nd minute.
Callum Hodson Odoi – 8/10
Grabbed the opportunity presented to him with both hands, he’s certainly one for the future.
