Chelsea v PAOK player ratings
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored his first senior goal as Chelsea strolled to another Europa League win. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 4-0 victory over PAOK.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6
Will be grateful it was not a particularly cold night or he might have suffered frostbite, standing around with little to do.
Davide Zappacosta: 6
Provided extra ammunition with his crosses from the right. Also seemed intent on getting on the scoresheet, cutting inside to have a crack at goal more than once.
Andreas Christensen: 6
Another occasion where the Dane had little chance to show off his defending because of limited opposition.
Gary Cahill: 7
Not the most demanding evening in the Chelsea skipper’s career, although had to make a sliding tackle to halt one dangerous run and did pick up a yellow card. Almost scored with a header.
Emerson: 6
More of a winger than a defender on the night, with the Greeks reduced to 10 so early on and their attacks so sporadic.
Ross Barkley: 6
A decent evening. Looks a more confident player these days and the watching Gareth Southgate will have appreciated his unfussy industry. Curled a late free-kick just over.
Cesc Fabregas: 8
Seemed to have so much time on the ball to orchestrate Chelsea’s lines of attack. Several long passes to Pedro carved up the Greek league leaders. Sumptuous chip opened up PAOK for the second.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 8
A powerful presence all over the pitch. Had one left-footer from distance palmed away and a slalom past three defenders forced another save. PAOK could not handle his strength on the ball and perceptive passing.
Pedro: 7
A good contribution. Took up menacing positions and was often the focal point for passes from deep. Had PAOK’s defence in a flap whenever he was on the ball. Assist for the opener.
Olivier Giroud: 8
In fine form. Comfortably dispatched the opening goal on 27 minutes after Pedro had rolled the ball to him on right side of the box. Volleyed home sweetly after being picked out by Fabregas 10 minutes later. His early dart at goal provoked the early red-card for defender Yevhen Khacheridi.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: 8
Excellent night for the youngster. Drilled in a low snap-shot shot on the hour for his first Chelsea goal to make it 3-0, and was lively throughout, seeing plenty of the ball down the left flank. Also clipped the top of the crossbar and laid on the fourth goal.
Ethan Ampadu: 6
On for Zappacosta after 62 minutes. Had very little to do, with PAOK having all-but given up the ghost by then.
Willian: 6
Brought on for Pedro after 66 minutes. No more than a gentle workout for the Brazilian, though he still found time to sting the palms of keeper Alex Paschalakis.
Alvaro Morata: 6
Came on for Giroud for the final 15 minutes, and almost immediately found the net with a near post header following a fine angled cross from Hudson-Odoi.
