Chelsea strolled to a comfortable 3-0 win over Rennes in Group E of the UEFA Champions League, with Timo Werner scoring two from the penalty spot.
The game started with some pace, with chances coming thick and fast on both ends. Rennes had a shout for a handball inside the box turned down against Kurt Zouma before they committed a mistake in their own box, tackling Timo Werner to the ground. The German international obliged by putting the ball into the back of the net from the penalty spot.
The game stayed even after it, before tragedy struck once again for Rennes. Dalbert was shown a second yellow card, which meant an early shower, while a dubious handball was adjudged to be a penalty after VAR intervention. Werner doubled his tally for the day and provided a cushion.
Cruising 2-0, with Rennes down to 10 men, Chelsea scored another, this time thanks to a beautiful across the goal ball from Reece James that found Tammy Abraham’s foot waiting to tuck it home. After 3-0, Frank Lampard a host of changes as the game mellowed down, with Werner getting a couple of chances of earning a hattrick.
However, this result means another clean sheet for Edouard Mendy in Chelsea’s goal, this time against his former club Rennes. Let us take a look at how the Chelsea individuals fared.
Edouard Mendy – 6.5
A safe pair of hands is what Mendy has added to Chelsea’s defensive arsenal. The former Rennes stopper hasn’t exactly been exquisite or made otherworldly saves. But, he has done what is required of a first-choice goalkeeper at a club of the stature similar to Chelsea’s.
Made a couple of routine saves and commanded his area well.
Reece James – 7.5
Reece James’ vs Rennes:
◉ 100% aerial duels won
◉ 8 ball recoveries
◉ 6 crosses
◉ 5 penalty area entries
◉ 1 assistBen Chilwell vs Rennes:
◉ 100% tackle success
◉ 6 crosses
◉ 5 penalty area entries
◉ 4 interceptions
◉ 2 tackles madeThat’s a full-back pairing. ? pic.twitter.com/WJG1CCNL3I
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 4, 2020
The wing-backs were the highlight of Chelsea’s attacks and James rightfully got the assist he deserved as he laid the ball up for Tammy Abraham to tap into the net. Defensively solid as well, James is quickly becoming a fan favourite due to his ability to have an impact on both ends of the pitch.
Kurt Zouma – 6
Did defend well but was lucky to have not been on the receiving end of a foul or a penalty decision against him for the potential handball inside the box early on in the game. Did face some trouble in handling Hamare Traore’s runs from defence but did enough to deserve the clean sheet.
Thiago Silva – 6
Did his job well. Never looked in trouble but didn’t see a whole lot of the ball either.
Ben Chilwell – 7
Unlucky not to have received an assist, with his dangerous crosses always wreaking havoc in the Rennes defence. Almost teed up Werner for his hattrick in the second half but the German international couldn’t get his foot on it.
N’Golo Kante – 6
Surprisingly, the engine didn’t receive much of the ball accounting for just 2.5% of Chelsea’s possession. Ventured forward with ease and ended the game with the highest number of successful dribbles (3).
Jorginho – 6.5
Kept things ticking in Chelsea’s midfield and could have found his attackers twice with neat balls. However, the attackers were adjudged offside on both occasions.
Mason Mount – 6.5
Growing in his role as the third midfielder, Mount is finding it easier to get the ball deep and run into space rather than be in attack from the get-go. The role suits him and he showed that against Rennes, seeing more of the ball than Kante and showing the intent to get the ball back as well, with 2 successful tackles. Instrumental to a high-press strategy.
Hakim Ziyech – 6.5
Bright as a bulb, Ziyech squandered multiple opportunities, most of which he created himself through tricky runs and improbable efforts. Unlucky not to have a goal to show for his efforts against Rennes. The Moroccan seems to be coming into his own and could be a lethal weapon for Lampard in the coming months.
Tammy Abraham – 7
Did win Chelsea the second penalty of the game and was in the right place at the right time to tuck Chilwell’s cross into the back of the net. All the Englishman needs is to bring consistency into his gameplay.
Timo Werner – 8
Timo Werner’s second goal puts him on..
7 goals
3 assists
4 penalties wonIn just 11 appearances for Chelsea this season. Fantastic start to life in London. pic.twitter.com/pYvusXiG18
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) November 4, 2020
Handed the penalty duties and deployed out wide, Werner enjoyed cutting in and having the ball at his feet so he could have a go at defenders. Clearly more comfortable playing with his front to the goal, Werner was good on the ball and his emphatic penalty conversions would do a lot of good to his confidence.
Did miss a couple of clear chances to get the hattrick. But, a good outing nonetheless.
Substitutes
Mateo Kovacic – 5.5
Didn’t see much of the Croatian after he came on for Kante.
Olivier Giroud – 5
Squandered a good 1v1 opportunity to get another goal under his belt and prove himself to Lampard.
Emerson Palmieri – 5.5
With the work already done, the play slowed down a bit and Emerson didn’t get a proper chance to showcase himself.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Brought on for Thiago Silva, with Lampard looking to manage the Brazilian’s fitness. Did not put a foot wrong.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
Not enough time to influence proceedings but tried to get another goal for Chelsea; just what Lampard needs from his substitutes regardless of the scoreline.
