Football news - Hudson-Odoi scores debut goal, Giroud nets brace as Chelsea stroll to victory

Updated 29/11/2018 at 22:06 GMT

Europa League Group L, Stamford Bridge - Chelsea 4 (Giroud 27', 37', Hudson-Odoi 60', Morata 78') PAOK 0

Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group L match between Chelsea and PAOK at Stamford Bridge on November 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

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Callum Hudson-Odoi scored his first goal for Chelsea and Olivier Giroud netted a brace as the Blues secured a comfortable 4-0 win against PAOK on Thursday evening at Stamford Bridge.

Sarri made 10 changes to the team that lost to Tottenham, but they looked cohesive and comfortable in possession from the outset. Hudson-Odoi, in his first competitive start under Maurizio Sarri, looked particularly lively on the left flank.

PAOK received a blow to their slim prospects after seven minutes when Yevhen Khacheridi felled Giroud on the edge of the area. As the last man, he could have had few complaints when the referee showed the red card.

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Yevhen Khacheridi of PAOK FC is shown a red card by referee Kristo Tohver during the UEFA Europa League Group L match between Chelsea and PAOK at Stamford Bridge on November 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.

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The visitors were admirable in their attempts to push forward in possession, but fell behind when Pedro collected a Cesc Fabregas long ball on the edge of the box and put it in the path of Giroud. The Frenchman finished low with his first touch.

The Blues doubled their advantage 10 minutes later from another Fabregas aerial ball, which Giroud converted with a spectacular close-range volley. The French striker has five goals in his last four Chelsea starts—and four goals in four European starts.

Near the hour mark, Hudson-Odoi capped a strong performance with his first senior competitive goal for Chelsea. The 18-year-old beat goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis at the near post after being allowed a generous amount of space by the PAOK defence.

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Substitute Alvaro Morata powerfully headed home a Hudson-Odoi cross with his first touch of the game to round things off for the Blues.

Chelsea, who have won Europa League Group L, visit Hungarian side MOL Vidi for the final group stage game on December 13th, while PAOK will keep their slim hopes of progression alive when they host BATE Borisov.

TALKING POINT

Will Olivier Giroud cement his place as first-choice striker? Morata and Giroud are engaged in healthy competition to start for the Blues. The Spaniard has started in the majority of league games, but score his first goal in five outings in this game. The Frenchman, meanwhile, has five goals in his last four Chelsea starts.

Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the UEFA Europa League Group L football match between Chelsea and PAOK Thessaloniki at Stamford Bridge in London on November 29, 2018.

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"Obviously, if I want to come back, I need to be efficient and show the manager I am ready,” said Giroud before the game.

All signs suggest he is ready.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea) Giroud, Fabregas and Rubens Loftus-Cheek were all superb, but special commendation must be given to Hudson-Odoi on his first competitive start.

Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea scores his team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group L match between Chelsea and PAOK at Stamford Bridge on November 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom

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Given the opportunity to show his worth, the 18-year-old scored his first senior goal, hit the woodwork, assisted the fourth goal, and was a constant threat going forward.

PLAYER RATINGS

Chelsea - Kepa 7, Zappacosta 7, Cahill 7, Christensen 7, Emerson 7, Fàbregas 9, Loftus-Cheek 9, Barkley 6, Hudson-Odoi 9, Giroud 9, Pedro 8. Subs: Willian 6, Morata 7, Ampadu 6.

PAOK - Paschalakis 7, Vieirinha 7, Khacheridi 5, Crespo 5, Matos 6, Wernbloom 6, Mauricio 6, Jabá 6, Shakov 6, El Kaddouri 6; Prijovic 6. Subs: Varela 6, Pelkas 5, Warda 6.

KEY MOMENTS

7 - RED CARD! POAK go down to 10 as last man Khacheridi brings down Giroud on the edge of the box!

27 - GOAL! Pedro collects a long ball on the edge of the box and feeds Giroud to his right. The Frenchman finishes low with his first touch from around 18 yards.

Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud shoots to score the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Group L football match between Chelsea and PAOK Thessaloniki at Stamford Bridge in London on November 29, 2018

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37 - GOAL! A wonder goal from Giroud! Fabregas floats a ball over the top around 35 yards from ball, which the Frenchman volleys in at the near post from the edge of the six-yard box.

59 - GOAL! Hudson-Odoi gets his first Chelsea goal! The 18-year-old picks up a Fabregas pass in lots of space on the left of the box and powerfully beats the 'keeper at the near post!

80 - GOAL! With his first touch, Morata scores! The Spaniard guides Hudson-Odoi's cross into the net, impressively muscling his way past two defenders!