PAOK 0 Chelsea 1: Willian strike seals narrow win in Europa League opener but Pedro injury causes concern

Maurizio Sarri continued his perfect start as Chelsea manager with a dominant 1-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League.

Willian opened the scoring after seven minutes in Thessaloniki, sliding his shot underneath goalkeeper Alexandros Paschalakis after being put through by Ross Barkley.

The Blues had numerous attempts to extend their lead, with Alvaro Morata wasting three golden chances in the first half as the Blues dominated play with 82 per cent possession.

It was no understatement to suggest Chelsea should have been at least three goals up at half-time and Sarri made his feelings clear to his side after their profligacy in front of goal.

Even without the magic of playmaker Eden Hazard, the likes of Jorginho and Pedro carved the PAOK defence open on several occasions as the Greek side struggled to cope with Chelsea's front three.

Willian, who was named captain for the first time in his Chelsea career, had a number of chances to get a second but didn't have the same killer instinct as he did against Cardiff.

Pedro also went close, curling an effort from the edge of the area but Paschalakis made a good save to deny the Spaniard.

Cesc Fabregas made his return from injury, replacing the excellent Jorginho, but there were some concerns for Sarri as Pedro came off late on with a suspected arm injury after colliding with Paschalakis.

Despite finishing with 10 men, Chelsea comfortably held on for the three points knowing that it really should have been more.