Willian netted the only goal of the game to hand Chelsea a 1-0 victory in their UEFA Europa League tie against POAK at the Toumba Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Brazil international’s fourth strike in his last five European matches followed a surging run from Ross Barkley, who impressed in Thessaloniki.
Chelsea’s winning margin should have been far wider, but they were wasteful in front of goal, with Alvaro Morata the main culprit.
But it mattered little as the Blues secured three points in what could be the toughest of their away trips in Group L.
Maurizio Sarri’s side quickly set about quietening the vociferous home support and within seven minutes Willian succeeded, his low shot somehow squirming under Alexandros Paschalakis’ body.
Morata should have doubled Chelsea’s lead soon after, but his problems in front of goal continued as he inexplicably headed wide from six yards.
The Spaniard wasted another five chances before the break as Chelsea failed to turn their domination into a healthy lead, while Pedro was also guilty of spurning a gilt-edged opportunity.
Marcos Alonso and Antonio Rudiger both failed to convert on the hour as Chelsea’s control of proceedings continued, the latter unable to tap home from Barkley’s front-post flick.
Even the introduction of last-season’s top scorer Aleksandar Prijovic could not spark PAOK into action, the substitute having to live off scraps as the hosts struggled to make an impact.
Cesc Fabregas made a welcome return from a knee injury midway through the second half, while Morata’s frustrating night ended with 10 minutes to play when he was replaced by Olivier Giroud.
That’s the way to start the group! ?
An important three points in Greece! #PAOKvCFC pic.twitter.com/Api0haZ6ff
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 20, 2018
What does it mean? No stopping Sarri
Many questioned how Chelsea would adapt to life under Sarri given the differences in his management style compared to Antonio Conte, but it seems they had no need to worry. It is now a six-match winning streak for the Italian, who has never lost a Europa League group match.
Pat on the back: Barkley brims with confidence
Barkley’s fine display in midfield will have pleased Sarri and not gone unnoticed by England boss Gareth Southgate. The 24-year-old showed nice touches throughout, linked the play well and provided a fine assist for Willian – just the kind of creativity Southgate’s Three Lions have been missing.
Boot up the backside: More Morata misery
When things are not going your way, the ball will just not go in. That must be how Morata is feeling at the moment. The forward was lively for the visitors, but his bad luck in front of goal continues. He might have had a first-half hat-trick, but looks short on confidence.
What’s next?
Sarri’s Blues return to league action on Sunday with a London derby at West Ham, while PAOK entertain AEK Athens in what is bound to be a fiery encounter. Their last meeting saw PAOK chairman Ivan Savvidis storm the pitch carrying a gun – an action that led to AEK being handed the win and PAOK deducted points, which ultimately cost them the league to their rivals.
