Chelsea vs Slavia: Marcos Alonso’s late winner sees Blues take one step towards semi-final
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Your support makes all the difference.Marcos Alonso's late header dragged a lacklustre Chelsea to a 1-0 Europa League win at Slavia Prague.
The Spain full-back ghosted clear in the box to nod home Willian's teasing far-post cross, to hand the Blues the slender advantage midway through their quarter-final.
Chelsea came very close drawing their last-eight first leg tie at the Sinobo Stadium, the Blues struggling for fluency throughout a niggly night in Prague.
Replacement Ruben Loftus-Cheek's smart spin and break turned Slavia's defence at the death however, before Willian served up the perfect cross.
Alonso's third goal of the season and second in the Europa League proved just enough for Chelsea then, but the Stamford Bridge men will hardly be happy with their performance.
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Napoli were remarkably poor in that first half. They've been unable to deal with Arsenal's aggressive pressing and might have found themselves more than two goals down. A significant improvement will be needed after the break.
Chelsea are back underway in Prague. Can they return to London with a lead?
Arsenal eventually come back out for the second half. Napoli kick off surely intent to improve on a dismal first half display.
Arsenal 2-0 Napoli
47 minutes
Hysaj is booked for bringing down Lacazette and potentially stopping a counter attack.
Arsenal 2-0 Napoli
48 minutes
Wasteful again from Insigne, who latches onto a long ball but hits his cross straight at Koscielny. There are signs of improvement from the visitors, though.
Slavia Prague 0-0 Chelsea
52 minutes
Chelsea have started the second half on the front foot, looking to use Giroud as their focal point. Chances are scarce at the moment but Sarri will be encouraged by his side's response to his team talk.
Arsenal 2-0 Napoli
52 minutes
Insigne has the ball in the net, but the flag is up. Rui, surging forward the left flank. hits a shot which rolls into the path of Napoli's captain. He slots the ball past Cech but he's clearly standing in an offside position.
Arsenal 2-0 Napoli
53 minutes
Cech tries to prevent the ball from going out for a corner but can't quite manage it. From the set piece, Koulibaly powers a header at goal and Arsenal's keeper tips it over the bar.
Arsenal 2-0 Napoli
57 minutes
There's been a bit of a dip in the intensity of Arsenal's game, which has allowed Napoli to get a foothold in the contest. The home side always look a threat when they break, though.
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