Chelsea travelled to Greece to begin their journey in the Europa League where they came up against PAOK. Maurizio Sarri had decided to rest Eden Hazard and the Belgian man who scored a hattrick last game didn’t travel with the team. It showed that the Blues were confident of getting the job done without their talismanic winger. That is what they did as they secured a 1-0 win. Seeing the score, one might think it was a tight game, but Chelsea were in cruise control for the full 90 minutes, and if not for some shoddy finishing, the score could have been much comprehensive.
This is how Sarri’s men fared in their first group encounter.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 6
The costliest goalkeeper of the world had an insignificant evening as the Greek outfit failed to test him much. Was decent with his distribution.
Marcos Alonso 6
Leo Jaba kept him busy on the left, and the Spaniard gave away some needless fouls on some occasions. Provided the width down the left and had a good game overall.
Andreas Christensen 7
Was good in the air and strong in his challenges. Christensen was starting his first game of the season, and Sarri should consider him for future games.
Antonio Rudiger 8
An assured performance from the German centre-half as he didn’t allow his opponents to have a sniff at goal. Used his pace well and picked some delightful passes from the back.
Davide Zappacosta 6
Defensively he was solid but could have been better while going forward.
Ross Barkley 7
Assisted the goal for Willian by timing his pass to perfection. Linked up well with the forwards for the most parts of the game.
Jorginho 7
Played a good hand in the goal and overall a controlled performance from the Italian in midfield. Was substituted around the 65th-minute mark to gain some much-needed rest.
N’golo Kante 7
It was surprising to see him start and play the full 90 minutes as Sarri could have given Ruben Loftus Cheek a run into the team. Nevertheless, Kante didn’t seem to get tired and was his usual self in midfield, and one can expect him to be at his best in three days time when the Blues take up their next assignment.
Willian 8
The Brazilian got the captaincy armband for the first time in his Chelsea career and seemed to relish the opportunity of leading the side. Scored the opener which eventually turned out to be the winner
Pedro 8
Top class performance from the Spaniard as he was a constant menace in the attacking half of the pitch. Should have got on the scoresheet as he missed a one on one situation.
Alvaro Morata 5.5
Did all the things right but couldn’t find a goal for himself. Worked hard and timed his run to perfection on most occasions. However, a striker will always be judged on how many times he found the back of the net and the Spaniard would be disappointed that he squandered some good opportunities.
Substitutes
Cesc Fabregas 6
Came in for Jorginho and did a decent job in midfield
Cesar Azpilicueta 6
Wasn’t tested defensively much but did a fine job and saw the clean sheet through to the end of the game.
Olivier Giroud N/A
Didn’t play enough to affect the game.
