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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Michael Jones

Chelsea vs PAOK, Europa League: Blues make it five from five

Olivier Giroud scored twice and Callum Hudson-Odoi netted his first goal for Chelsea as the Blues cruised to a 4-0 Europa League victory over 10-man PAOK Salonika at Stamford Bridge.

Yevhen Khacheridi was sent off for the Greek visitors after just seven minutes and Olivier Giroud scored twice before half-time, the second a brilliant volley from a Cesc Fabregas pass.

The 18-year-old Hudson-Odoi scored after 60 minutes before providing a goal for Alvaro Morata, on for Giroud, as the Blues responded from the loss to Tottenham with a fifth win from five European games. Re-live the live action below:

Welcome
 
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of this evening's Europa League action. We'll be bringing you live coverage of Chelsea vs PAOK, but first it's to Kiev for Vorskla Poltava vs Arsenal.
 
Here's some light reading to get you in the mood
 
Team news
 

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has included a number of academy players in his squad to face Vorskla Poltava this evening.

The unfamiliar names of Charlie Gilmour,Zech Medley and Dejan Iliev have taken the places of the more experienced players of AubameyangOzil and Torreira.

"We need to give young players a chance," Emery said.

"The players have been working with us in all sessions and also in pre-season. They are coming with us because we can give them chances."

 
Team news
 
Vorskla
 
Shust, Perduta, Dallku, Chesnakov, Artur, Sapai, Skliar, Sharpar, Rebenok, Kulach, Kolomets

Arsenal have already qualified for the last 32, but they will clinch top spot in Group E with a victory tonight and Emery will have one eye on next week's Premier League fixtures.

They play Tottenham at home on Sunday and Manchester United away next Wednesday in and the manager will want his squad in top condition for those two fixtures.

Uefa moved the location for tonight's game from Poltava to the capital of Kiev because of the introduction of martial law in several regions in Ukraine.

The group stage fixture is due to take place at the capital's Olimpiyskiy Stadium at 17:55.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: "First, we need to respect Uefa's decision because I think it's not easy for Vorskla.

"Yesterday we were preparing for the first trip to Poltava and waiting in the evening for the last decision.

"It doesn't change a lot to play here. In 90 minutes it is not a very big change. It is clear they are playing in Ukraine, not in their town, but they can also move their supporters to Kiev.

"In 90 minutes we want to do our work here."

Eddie Nketiah makes his first team debut tonight, leading the line for Arsenal. What will he offer the Gunners? 
 
 
The teams are out on the pitch and we're ready go!
KICK OFF
Vorskla 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
Vorskla get the match underway and move the ball out to the right wing. It's crossed into the box and Cech makes an easy catch. 
3 mins: Vorskla 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
Vorskla win a free kick on the right wing. Rebenok flicks it into the space in Arsenal's area and Kolomets is the first to reach the ball. He tries to take a shot but spoons it over the bar. 
6 mins: Vorskla 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
Vorskla put a bit of pressure on Arsenal, first they win a corner that's delivered to Chesnakov on the far side of the box, he shoots but mishits it and the ball goes out to the right wing. Vorskla put it back into the box and Cech scrambles to keep hold of the ball. 
9 mins: Vorskla 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
Arsenal see a bit more of possession now. They control the ball just outside of Vorskla's area passing it between the mid-fielders looking for an opening in the defence. Maitland-Niles finds one and shoots from range but Shust makes the save. 
GOAL!
10 mins: Vorskla 0 - 1 Arsenal - Smith-Rowe 
 
Arsenal work the ball into Ramsey from the right wing. Ramsey gives it to Nketiah who tries to play a one-two with Ramsey to get further into the box, Shust treis to grab the ball but it falls to Smith-Rowe who makes no mistakes and puts it into the back of the open goal. 
15 mins: Vorskla 0 - 1 Arsenal
 
Sapai whips a cross into Arsenal's box but Jenkinson heads it away fro a throw in. Vorskla play the ball back into the box trying to find Kulach who goes down in the area but the linesman rules him offside.
18 mins: Vorskla 0 - 1 Arsenal
 
Vorskla have seen more of the ball but Arsenal are quick when they break down the wings. They win a free kick on the right edge of the home sides's area. Ramsey takes the free kick and goes for goal but ends up putting the ball over the bar.
21 mins: Vorskla 0 - 1 Arsenal
 
Vorskla are finding it tough to break Arsenal down. The Gunners have a good shape at the back and look confident on the ball. 
24 mins: Vorskla 0 - 1 Arsenal 
 
After a few early chances Vorskla, Arsenal have taken control of the game now. They're patiently building up to an attack, Smith-Rowe cuts it back to Ramsey in Vorskla's box and he goes down. Penalty to Arsenal.
GOAL!
27 mins: Vorskla 0 - 2 Arsenal - Ramsey
 
Ramsey won the penalty. Ramsey scores the penalty. He places the ball into the bottom right corner and Shust didn't even react. Arsenal ahve doubled their lead. 
YELLOW CARD
30 mins: Vorskla 0 - 2 Arsenal
 
Skliar gets booked for a strong challenge on Smith-Rowe and Vorskla need to regain their composure after the penalty went against them. 
YELLOW CARD
33 mins: Vorskla 0 - 2 Arsenal
 
Sharpar this time gets booked as Willock's heel clips him as he ran past. It's a little unlucky for the central mid-fielder. The ball comes over the top from Smith-Rowe and Nketiah gets a shot away putting it wide of the near post. 
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