Misfiring Morata on the mark at last
Spanish striker earns victory for Chelsea against Vidi as rejuvenated Arsenal roll past Qarabag
>> PARIS: Alvaro Morata snapped his recent goal drought to secure a 1-0 win for Chelsea over Hungarian champions Vidi in the Europa League on Thursday, as Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory away to Qarabag in Azerbaijan.
Spain striker Morata, without a goal since Aug 18, wasted a terrific chance in the first half at Stamford Bridge but atoned with a sharp finish on 70 minutes to put Chelsea ahead.
Substitute Ross Barkley also headed against the crossbar, while Kepa Arrizabalaga — the world’s most expensive goalkeeper — produced an excellent save to deny Istvan Kovacs a late equaliser.
“It is job done. Games like that are difficult but it is important we are motivated. We tried and tried and got what we deserved,” Chelsea captain Gary Cahill told BT Sport.
“I am sure for every striker, scoring goals gives them confidence. Morata made some good runs tonight and we’re delighted to see him hit the back of the net.”
Chelsea head Group L with a maximum six points alongside PAOK — 4-1 winners over BATE Borisov — level on three points with the Belarusian champions.
In Baku, Sokratis bundled in a Nacho Monreal header on four minutes, with Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe and French youngster Matteo Guendouzi also scoring their first goals for the club.
The Gunners extended their winning run to eight matches and lead Sporting Lisbon on goal difference at the top of Group E, after the Portuguese side snatched a 2-1 win in Ukraine with two late goals against Vorskla Poltava.
“It was a difficult game. Every match is important for us. We played an away game against a strong opponent,” said Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
“Qarabag is an ambitious team and we had to try a l ot today. However, in the end, the desired result was achieved.”
Arsenal’s Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan did not make the trip to Azerbaijan due to diplomatic tensions between the country and his homeland.
Celtic slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Red Bull Salzburg despite taking the lead in Austria.
Odsonne Edouard struck after just two minutes but a brace from Munas Dabbur and a goal from Japanese forward Takumi Minamino gave Salzburg a second win in two Group B matches.
Celtic lost James Forrest to a straight red card after he upended Andreas Ulmer in the area, with Dabbur converting the resulting penalty to condemn Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Seven-time European champions AC Milan recovered from a goal down at home to Olympiakos to claim a 3-1 victory in Group F, as Patrick Cutrone scored twice either side of a Gonzalo Higuain effort.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers overcame Rapid Vienna 3-1 at Ibrox as Alfredo Morelos netted twice and James Tavernier scored from the spot after the hosts fell behind to a Veton Berisha effort.