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Three second-half goals from Olivier Giroud, Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi ensured Chelsea progressed to the round-of-16 of the Europa League, as they secured a 5-1 aggregate over Malmo FF after they had ended the away fixture by 2-1.
The Blues had a major share of the ball in the opening stages but brought their A game onto the deck only after Giroud netted the opener. Since then, there was no way back for Malmo, who never really looked like threatening Chelsea at their backyard.
Chelsea registered their sixth consecutive Europa League victory. They have also scored 2.86 goals per game in Europe's second-tier competition, despite having suffered major setbacks in front of goal of late.
More so, they received a major boost ahead of the all-important cup final against Manchester City at Wembley, on Sunday.
On that note, let's look at the major talking points from Chelsea's victory over Malmo.
#1 Sarri pleases the popular opinion with the right team sheet
Chelsea fans endured their happiest moment even before the game started when they saw the team sheets.
Much to their delight, rather relief, Jorginho was replaced by Mateo Kovacic at the base of midfield. The World Cup finalist slotted in seamlessly in midfield and put in a fine shift. Only four players kept their place from the FA Cup defeat - Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, N'Golo Kante and Kovacic.
Elsewhere, Willian, who probably was the best player of the night, came in for Pedro down the right flank. The ever-so-willing Giroud reverted to the starting XI in place of Higuain, while Hazard received a much-needed rest, with Hudson-Odoi coming in.
Emerson came in for Marcos Alonso, who has been heavily scrutinised for the defensive side of his game. Chelsea fans were fairly happy, but not as much as they would have liked because most of them know Sarri will restore the criticized players against Manchester City, as this might have been a part of the rotation.
#2 The confidence monkey just doesn't get off Chelsea's back in the opening stages
Chelsea started the game on a positive note, racking up passes and falling into their configurations without any delay. However, apart from a header that Giroud skewed wide off goal and a couple of other attempts, they had no significant attempts on target.
Despite tons of recycling of possession, they had no real opportunities to show for it. They did work hard, but lack of movement in the final third frustrated Sarri down the touchline, as he chewed on to his cigarette butt with anguish and disgust as the first half wore on.
Malmo too had a big chance to score inside the first 10 minutes of the outing, when Andreas Vindheim whipped in a delightful cross into the box, only for Bengtsson to direct his header wide.
#3 Chelsea grow into the game, Giroud opens the scoring
Chelsea entered the second half on the back of a promising end to the first 45 minutes that saw a few clear-cut chances in the closing stages.
Sarri's men, as you'd expect, enjoyed the larger share of possession, but moved it a little bit quicker, better and faster. The likes of N'Golo Kante made a huge difference going forward, alongside Kovacic, who put in a fantastic shift in Jorginho's absence.
The Croatian played one-touch passes, shielded the back four and sensed danger, to be honest, much faster than Jorginho, to be fair.
The Blues committed bodies forward, delivered crosses into the box, as well as passes down the channels.
Kante proved why he's a priceless asset and more than just someone who mops up the danger in midfield and at the back. The World Cup winner travelled with the ball - from defence to attack - and played in Willian. The winger slotted the ball into the box, where Giroud, who lay in wait, passed home the opener.
#4 Chelsea seal the deal with two beautiful goals
How often have this Chelsea side, low of confidence, get the first goal in such situations and then begin to flow freely with intent and laser-like sharpness?
Once again, Olivier Giroud broke the deadlock in the 55th minute and from there on, the hosts never looked back. Ross Barkley and Callum Hudson-Odoi took two well-constructed goals, highlighting their true potential.
Ross Barkley scored for the second time in as many consecutive starts with a splendid free-kick from the left. He stepped up to the dead ball and struck it with the right amount of venom and dip, leaving the Malmo custodian rooted to his ground.
Moments later, Hudson-Odoi rounded off the scoring with a much-deserved goal from the right. Once again, it was Willian who sprayed a pin-point pass to the U-17 FIFA World Cup winner, who took it all upon himself, surged infield and drilled a shot to the left bottom corner.
#5 Callum Hudson-Odoi should start over Willian and Pedro
Once again, Callum Hudson-Odoi was granted an opportunity in a lesser important fixture. Once again, the Englishman took his chance with both hands and served the goods for his side.
The teenager set the field on fire with his blistering pace, artistry and direct yet fearless approach. He was at the centre of the action along with Willian and Kante, as far as Chelsea's attacking adventures were concerned.
Hudson-Odoi completed successful take-ons, drove forward with purpose and almost every time he picked up the ball, the homegrown Chelsea talent charged down the flank, took on defenders and enjoyed touches of the ball inside the 18-yard box.
On the other hand, Willian, who has three assists in his last four games for the Blues, has just not stepped up on the big occasions. He was deployed in a play maker's role against Malmo, but regardless of where he plies his trade in the Premier League against the more substantial opponents, the Brazilian fails to add a spark into the game.
Pedro too has sparsely scored this season. The former Barcelona star hasn't got at the end of passes as often as he would like and is doing the majority of the possession-based work for his side in the middle third.
Hudson-Odoi hasn't proved himself against the bigger opponents, because he hasn't received the chances. With Willian and Pedro not at their very best of late, and with three goals and three assists in his last six starts for Chelsea, Hudson-Odoi deserves to man the wing with Eden Hazard.
