Player ratings: Old heads shine bright as Chelsea beat Lille despite worrying double injury concern

Chelsea carved out a deserved 2-0 win over Lille in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash at Stamford Bridge thanks to a goal in either half from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic.

The Blues made a bright start with Havertz going close on a couple of occasions. Firstly, he found himself in space but was unable to divert the ball, following Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross, on target.

He then saw an effort well saved by Leo Jardim in the Lille goal. From the resulting corner though, Havertz was on hand to nod the ball into the corner after engineering himself a yard of space.

Chelsea continued to press, but chances were at a premium with Lille – well marshalled by the in-demand Sven Botman – holding firm.

A cushioned volley from Marcos Alonso was as near as they came again. And at the other end, Edouard Mendy comfortably saved a shot from Benjamin Andre.

Two Chelsea injury concerns

The Blues started brightly in the second half, but two injuries to Mateo Kovacic and then Hakim Ziyech saw the pair both limp off. Worryingly for the Blues, Kovacic looks a serious doubt for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

However, an excellent midfield burst from N’Golo Kante saw the Frenchman tee the ball perfectly into Pulisic’s path. The American took a touch to control before lifting a brilliant finish over Jardim to make it 2-0.

The Blues did not really create too much thereafter and it was all about keeping Lille out and preserving their healthy lead to take to France for the second leg.

Here’s how the Chelsea players, subs and manager rated….

Chelsea (3-4-2-1)

Edouard Mendy: Not overly worked, but did all that was needed. As easy a night at this stage of the competition as you can ask. 6

Andreas Christensen: Neat and tidy with all that he did and part of a Chelsea defence that kept a clean sheet. Passes were sharp and accurate. 7

Thiago Silva: Might be 37 years of age, but proved once again his huge value to Chelsea. Got in numerous blocks to keep the French side at bay. As co-commentator Glenn Hoddle said: “He’s two moves ahead of everyone else.” It’s hard to disagree! 8

Antonio Rudiger: Cleared a few, got in the way of plenty more. Not his greatest game for Chelsea but a very effective defensive display nonetheless. Can’t ask more than a clean sheet. 7

Cesar Azpilicueta: Got himself into some good positions down the right and put in plenty of crosses into the box. His usual reliable self when needing to defend. 6

N’Golo Kante: Busy. Here, there and everywhere and carried the ball forward when needs be. Has a quicker turn of pace than some give him credit for and showed it on a number of occasions this evening, especially in teeing up the second goal. Just very, very good! 8 – Man of the Match 

Kovacic injury doubt

Mateo Kovacic: Worked hard in the midfield and was his usual energetic self. Competition is always tight in the Chelsea midfield, but they do look a better side when the Croatian plays. Subbed on 51 minutes, having hobbled off with an injury. Now looks a doubt for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. 7

Michael Olise being looked at by Chelsea and Arsenal

Michael Olise was a bargain for Crystal Palace but could the club sell their youngster to Premier League London rivals Chelsea or Arsenal

Marcos Alonso: Constant outlet down the left flank and saw a first-half volley well saved. Continued to ask questions going forwards after the break before being subbed with 10 minutes left. 6

Hakim Ziyech: Provided the assist for Havertz’s opener from the corner and was generally very busy before he too limped off just before the hour mark. 6

Christian Pulisic: Some probing runs that caused panic in the Lille rearguard. Works hard for the cause – you can see how he’s won favour under Tuchel in this system and scored an excellent second goal on 63 minutes. Subbed on 80 minutes. 8

Kai Havertz: Started brightly and saw two chances go begging before heading low into the corner for an eighth-minute opener. Continued to offer an outlet for Chelsea and generally gets himself well involved. In Tuchel’s system, he looks far a far better option than Lukaku. 7

Substitutes

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (on for Kovacic, 51): Showed good strength in midfield and made a good impression during an energetic display off the bench. Booked for a lunging tackle. 7

Saul Niguez (on for Ziyech, 59): Came on to shore up the Chelsea midfield and did all that was asked of him. Decent enough. 6

Timo Werner (on for Pulisic, 80): Ran lots – and that’s about all you can say. 6

Malang Sarr (on for Alonso, 80): Helped see the game out. 6

Thomas Tuchel rated

The German made a big call before kick-off to leave Lukaku out of his starting line-up after a dire showing at Palace.

Reverting to a side similar to one which led Chelsea to Champions League success last season, the Belgian, along with Jorginho, Mason Mount and Timo Werner, was benched.

However, the Blues always looked in control and were pretty untroubled against their French opponents.

His subs, while forced, were also well used and helped Chelsea push on to make the game safe as they took a firm step towards the next round. 7