Chelsea left it late to beat Rennes 2-1 as Olivier Giroud’s injury-time header sent the Blues into the Champions League knockout stages.
James Robson rates Frank Lampard’s squad…
Chelsea player ratings
Back at his old club he reminded Rennes what they are missing with a brilliant double save in the second half. Nothing he could do to prevent Guirassy’s equaliser.
Cesar Azpilicueta 6
Has had to watch on as Reece James has established himself as first choice right back, but slipped straight back in with a solid performance.
Kurt Zouma 7
Largely untroubled even as Chelsea’s intensity dropped after a bright start.
Thiago Silva 6
Got caught under the ball as Rennes scored late on, but earlier spared Chilwell’s blushes with an important interception after his teammate’s error.
Ben Chilwell 6
Got away with two blind passes in the first half that could have seen Chelsea punished. Much better going forward – particularly a cutback for Mount.
Mateo Kovacic 6
Full of energy and intensity to help Chelsea control midfield in the first half in particular. Will push for a start against Spurs on Sunday.
Jorginho 6
Offered effective cover to the centre backs at times, but doesn’t have the same impact as Kante.
Seems undroppable right now – even during this hectic schedule. Magical pass set up Hudson-Odoi’s opening goal.
Callum Hudson-Odoi 8
Clearly wanted to make a statement with a rare start – and he did just that. Set up Werner early on, but the German wasted the chance to put Chelsea ahead. Then got on the score sheet himself with a clinical finish after Mount’s ball.
Tammy Abraham 6
Worked hard, but didn't get the best of service to extend his recent goal-scoring run.
Timo Werner 6
Early ball to Chilwell opened Rennes up - but then guilty of wasting a golden chance when connecting with Hudson-Odoi’s cross.
Substitutes
N’Golo Kante (Mount, 68’) 6
Was supposed to help close out the game - but it didn’t quite work out like that.
Olivier Giroud (Abraham, 69’) 7
What a header and just a reminder of his enduring quality.
Hakim Ziyech (Hudson-Odoi, 75’) 7
Only on for a short time but created two golden chances.
Kai Havertz (Kovacic, 76’) 5
Important minutes under his belt.
Reece James (Werner, 90+2’)
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Rudiger, Alonso, Christensen, Caballero, Tomori, Emerson Palmieri
