A Gentle Little Stroll

This tussle, if I could even call it that, was nullified when the visitors incurred an early red card. Thereafter it was merely a case of how many that goal shy Chelsea would convert. In the end, a brace of goals in each half was just about a par total against mediocre and outnumbered opposition. Tis hardly a time to crack open the champagne, but nevertheless the hosts kept a clean sheet, peripheral players received valuable game time, and even Giroud managed to double his season's goals account. Our two unconvincing centre forwards now have eleven goals between them which isn't too embarrassing - even if some of their efforts are. Twas also good to see the prodigal Hudson-Odoi score his first Chelsea goal. Elsewhere Pedro continues to insist on blazing shots over the bar. Someone really needs to have some words with him on the training ground. Oh well. Let's hope that Foolham prove to be as equally obliging this Sunday lunchtime - though I seriously doubt it.

CHELSEA 4 PAOK Salonika 0; half time: 2-0

CHELSEA: Arrizabalaga; Cahill; Christensen; Emerson; Zappacosta; Barkley; Fabregas; Hudson-Odoi; Loftus-Cheek; Pedro; Giroud. Used substitutes: Ampadu; Willian; Morata

CHELSEA goal scorers: Giroud (two); Hudson-Odoi; Morata

LEADING SCORERS:

Hazard eight

Morata seven

Giroud four

Loftus-Cheek four

Pedro four

Barkley three

Willian three