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Maurizio Sarri and Chelsea started their Europa League campaign with an assertive victory over Greek powerhouse AC PAOK. An early goal from Willian in the 7th minute ensured the Londoners' perfect start to the season as the game finished 1-0.
For the rest of the half, Sarri's men continued to pile pressure on the opposition by creating clear-cut opportunities in front of goal. Alvaro Morata himself had six chances, while Pedro and Barkley came close to scoring as well. With truckloads of the ball and steady build-up play, the Pensioners established complete control over the game.
Apart from a late, late surge in the dying stages of the game from PAOK, there was nothing that denied Chelsea a comfortable win in their European season's opener. There could have been three-four more goals in the score sheet, but it was job done for Chelsea, nonetheless.
Here are three reasons why they beat PAOK:
#3 Early pressure from the visitors
As envisaged by many, the Blues dominated the tempo of the game by seeing almost three-fourths of the possession in the first half. The likes of Christensen and Rudiger played a high line, with Zappacosta and Alonso exploiting the width on either flank.
Jorginho and N'Golo Kante sprayed short passes and made sure the ball was under their team's control. Both of them fed the wingers and tried to gain possession with energy and intent. While Jorginho protected the base of midfield, Kante overlapped Zappacosta and Pedro at times, providing a high press and creating a couple of chances.
Pedro and Willian proved to be too quick and direct for the opposition. Both of the skipped past opponents and challenges with aplomb and added spark to the attack. They won a number of corners in the early stages of the game and completed over 330 passes in the opening 45 minutes.
To say the least, Chelsea kept hold of the ball and constantly knocked at their opponent's back line.
#2 Lack of intensity from PAOK
Although the match was against English giants Chelsea, the home side decided to show too much respect to their opponents in the process of being disciplined and well-drilled at the back. They held their shape well, but quick passing and intelligent play got 'Sarrismo' to full force, leading to their downfall.
It's simply difficult to stop Chelsea when they attack in numbers and play some delightful football. However, the Thessaloniki-based club dropped way too deep, allowing the Blues to dominate proceedings and knit their attacks with time and space. There seemed to be a lack of intensity and willingness to win the ball back from Răzvan Lucescu's side.
For the most part of the match, the players were back-peddling. They ran out of ideas while in possession and struggled to keep hold of the ball. Passes into the box were allowed way too easily, and the defence switched off on a handful of occasions.
It was only after the 80th minute, that the Greek side decided to take a few risks, commit bodies forward in order to restore parity. Although their opposition was a class apart, PAOK Salonika should have tested Arrizabalaga more often than they did and given Chelsea run for their money.
#1 Sheer dominance offensively and defensively
Sarri and co. completely outplayed their opponents. Right from the word 'go', they played the game at a frenetic pace. Clever passing, exquisite dribbling, tight defending and maturity helped their cause.
As aforementioned, Chelsea dominated the entirety of the match and created chances after chances. In total, they had a stunning 22 attempts on goal. Willian and Pedro ran riot, while Alvaro Morata, who was desperate to get on the score sheet, repeatedly tested Paschalakis. With heaps of possession, corners, attempts, chances and passes, it was sure to be a one-team show.
Defensively too, Rudiger and Christensen communicated well and didn't allow Pelkas, Shakhov and Prijovic a sniff of their goal. Both of them won aerial duels, tackled sharply, out-muscled the forwards and put up a solid display at the back.
The likes of Barkley and Kante contributed with vital challenges, breakthroughs and added cover to the defence along with Jorginho. All in all, Chelsea completely upstaged PAOK with an authoritative staging.
