Frank Lampard secured his first Champions League victory as manager when Chelsea secured a narrow 2-1 win over LOSC Lille earlier this evening.
Chelsea started the game on a positive fashion and dominated the opposition. They found their opener in the 22nd minute through their marksman Tammy Abraham. However, the hosts responded pretty well, securing the equaliser eleven minutes later, thanks to Victor Osimhen.
It transformed into a cat and mouse chase in the second half. But, Chelsea persistence finally paid when the Blues got themselves ahead again in the 77th minute through Willian’s goal. However, it was a nervy final few minutes for the Premier League giants as Lille pushed forward. Ultimately though, Frank Lampard’s managed to keep hold of their slender lead and came away with a win from France.
Here is how Lampard’s men performed in their win over Lille this evening.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 7.5/10
Had a nervy moment in the final minute of the game when he had to charge out of his goal to clear the ball from Osimhen. Made a couple of good saves, though he could have done nothing to stop the equaliser.
Cesar Azpilicueta 8/10
The deeper role on the right, suited quite well with Azpilicueta. The fact that he didn’t have to get forward helped the Spaniard provide more solidity at the back.
Kurt Zouma 7/10
Had a miserable first-half, getting caught in a couple of awkward situations. However, an improved performance in the second half saw Lille players fail to breach the Chelsea backline.
Fikayo Tomori 7.5/10
Looked vulnerable at times and certainly wasn’t at his best defensively. But, he fed an excellent ball to Abraham for the first goal. His poor backpass late in the game, however, almost gifted Lille a way back into the game. A mixed performance.
Reece James 7/10
Impressed once again by providing impetus going forward, especially in the first half. But, the youngster had to operate in a more defensive role when Lille pushed forward after the restart before being replaced in the 67th minute.
N’Golo Kante 7/10
It was great to see the Frenchman return to the pitch after a long spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem. He wasn’t as influential as one would have expected but did combine quite well with Jorginho, helping Chelsea dominate the midfield.
Jorginho 8/10
Ran the show in midfield with his clinical passes and brilliant ball distribution. Also operated as a ball-carrier, at times, easing Chelsea’s transition from defence to offence. The Italian international has had an improved role under Lampard.
Marcos Alonso 7/10
Deputising for Emerson, Alonso once again looked sloppy in defence – something he needs to improve on. He was mediocre going forward, putting in a couple of good crosses from the left flank.
Willian 7.5/10
Willian struggled to get involved in the game much, especially during the second half. Also ruined a couple of great attacking chances by producing sloppy passes.
However, his work-rate was commendable, and the Brazilian scored the winner late in the second half, helping Chelsea secure all three points. Good enough performance to keep him ahead of Pedro and Christian Pulisic in the pecking order.
Mason Mount 7.5/10
Lacked the end product even though he was involved a lot of Chelsea’s attacks. And like many of his teammates, the ex-Derby star improved after the restart, often providing himself as a passing option for his attacking teammates.
Tammy Abraham 7.5/10
Didn’t look bright linking up with the likes of Mount or Willian. But, the youngster continues to showcase his poaching skills, notably making full use of his opportunity to score the opener in the first half. Didn’t get any other clear cut opportunities afterwards.
SUBSTITUTES
Callum Hudson-Odoi 9/10
Made an instant impact after coming on for James in the 67th minute. The wing wizard provided the assist for Willian’s opener. Aside from that, his mazy runs across the Lille backline caused a lot of problems for the opposition.
Pedro N/A
A late replacement for a tiring Willian.
Mateo Kovacic N/A
Replaced Mount with just three minutes left on the clock.
