Morata’s confidence will soar after having decisive say for Blues: Cahill

ALVARO Morata finally found the target in the Europa League as Chelsea beat Hungarian champions Vidi 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Morata missed a host of chances in the opening Group L win at PAOK in Greece two weeks ago and spurned a glorious opportunity in the first half last night.

The 25-year-old made amends with 20 minutes to go, but only after Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri had turned to Eden Hazard in a bid to break a deadlock which stood due to the Blues’ wasteful finishing.

Ross Barkley, another substitute, headed Hazard’s free-kick against the crossbar when Chelsea were 1-0 up, but there were anxious moments before the Blues secured a second win from two games.

Cesc Fabregas’ cross from the right channel was flicked on by Willian and Morata got in front of his marker to prod the ball in for his second goal of the season.

And soon after, Hazard’s freekick was flicked on by Barkley onto the crossbar as Chelsea went close to doubling their lead.

Vidi might have been level when substitute Istvan Kovacs stole in behind the Chelsea defence, forcing Kepa into a smart save.

Chelsea captain Gary Cahill said: “It is job done. Games like that are difficult but it is important that we are motivated.

“We tried and tried and got what we deserved. They sat back and frustrated us. We missed a few chances but Alvaro Morata scored the goal to win us the game.

“I am sure for every striker, scoring goals gives them confidence. Morata made some good runs and I’m delighted to see him hit the back of the net. He has scored many goals and we are delighted we won. It looked a stonewall penalty for a challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek, definitely from where I was. He was brought down from behind and they got away with that one.

“I want to play football out on the pitch. I am not different to anyone else and the ambition never changes. I am delighted to have the armband back on and it is a good feeling.

“We have to refocus. The manager can rotate the team which helps and we have to recover for the next game against Southampton before the international break. We want to top the group and push on in the competition. Like the Premier League, it is vitally important for us.” On target: Alvaro Morata is mobbed after netting winner

“In pre-season, Emile Smith Rowe worked very well with us,” Emery said. “He knows how we want to play and he is very humble to continue improving and progressing with us and in every training and match.

“A little bit of all the qualities he has: physical, mentality and quality with his right foot. Working in combinations with other players.

“If I can say one condition, for me, it’s his mentality. He is humble and he is humble to listen every day in training, in the video analysis and also before the match to continue improving and to keep taking one step more, like today.

“The last matches he played, for example against Brentford, he had three actions in the opposition boxes and didn’t score. But today, he had two and one was a goal.

“It’s best for him to continue to be humble and to keep his feet on the ground.”