Lampard keeps it in the family
Qualification from a difficult group is a notable shot in the arm to Frank Lampard, who began Group H facing questions over his lack of managerial experience at this level and ends it wondering how far his side can go.
In reaching the last 16, he becomes the first English coach to take a team there since his uncle Harry Redknapp at Tottenham in 2010.
Lampard also extends Chelsea’s impressive record of reaching the first knockout round in 16 of their 17 seasons in the competition, ironically only falling short when they were holders in 2012.
Abraham back on track in Europe
It could only be a minor criticism given Tammy Abraham’s fine breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge but the 22-year-old has shown the same clinical touch in Europe as he has in the Premier League.
Abraham had not scored in the Champions League since facing Lille on matchday two but here he took the first opportunity that came his way, admittedly with much of the work done for him by Christian Pulisic and Willian in the build-up.
That said, Abraham made no mistake and set the tone for a comfortable evening, ending a mini-drought in the competition at the same time.
Lampard leans on experience to see Chelsea through
Fikayo Tomori was ruled out through injury and Abraham led the line but Lampard’s team selection still featured several calls which pointed to a preference for experience on what could have been a tense occasion.
Mason Mount, Reece James and Andreas Christensen only made the bench as Lampard opted for Rudiger alongside Kurt Zouma with Jorginho returning in midfield.
What followed was a largely assured display against an under-strength Lille side, vindicating his thought process.
Clean sheet concern continues
It is an issue which just will not go away: Chelsea cannot keep clean sheets.
They have managed just four in all competitions this season and even cruising at 2-0 up with this contest seemingly over, they still allowed Loic Remy to haunt his former club as he dispatched Jonathan Bamba’s cross past Kepa Arrizabalaga via the underside of his crossbar.
The margins are even smaller in the knockout rounds and the Blues’ defending simply has to improve to prolong their involvement in the latter stages
