Chelsea took control of their Champions League last-16 tie against Lille with a dominant 2-0 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
In the absence of Romelu Lukaku, who was dropped following an anonymous performance against Crystal Palace at the weekend, Thomas Tuchel’s side produced their best performance in weeks.
Kai Havertz, who replaced Lukaku up front, opened the scoring with a thumping header from a corner after just eight minutes.
Christian Pulisic doubled their lead shortly after the hour, finishing a lightning counter-attack led by N’Golo Kante.
The only downside for an animated Tuchel was the loss of Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech, with the pair both limping off in the second half, leaving them as doubts for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
Dan Kilpatrick was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players...
Edouard Mendy 7
Did not have a difficult save to make as Chelsea dominated but was composed when called into action. His passing was sometimes loose, forcing Silva into a tricky position in stoppage-time.
Andreas Christensen 7
A solid display on the right of the back three, as Tuchel’s side went back to being tough to penetrate following a loose spell.
Thiago Silva 8
Typically authoritative and composed performance at the heart of the back three as Lille’s promising forward Jonathan David was given a taste of what he could expect with a move to the Premier League.
Antonio Rudiger 7
Nearly scored a own goal with a clumsy mishit clearance in the first half but otherwise solid. Caught the eye with some impressive switches of play.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7
Tidy and disciplined at wing-back. Created a great chance for Havertz in the opening seconds with a zipped cross.
N’Golo Kante 9
Made the second goal with a characteristic lung-busting run from the halfway line in a vintage, all-action Kante display. A welcome return to form ahead of Sunday’s showpiece.
Mateo Kovacic 7
Hobbled off at the start of the second half, potentially making him a doubt for Wembley. Appeared to take the knock early in the first half but carried the ball well in some bright moments.
Marcos Alonso 7
Had his hands full with the excellent Renato Sanches but tried to get forward well when possible, testing the ‘keeper with a volley in the first half. Occasionally wasteful in possession.
Hakim Ziyech 7
Also limped off injured, also making him a possible doubt for Sunday. Some silky moments but guilty of overplaying in the final third a couple of times.
Christian Pulisic 8
Took his goal nicely and earned a standing ovation on a positive night for the forward. Has likely done enough to start at Wembley.
Kai Havertz 8
Already had about seven touches, including two near misses, before a thumping header to open the scoring. Still, he might have scored three or four on a different night.
Subs
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Kovacic 50’) 6
Added a presence and dynamism to Chelsea’s midfield.
Saul Niguez (Ziyech 60’) 7
Put in one low, dangerous cross in a lively outing from the bench.
Malang Sarr (Alonso 80’) 6
Helped Chelsea see out the game with a late cameo at left wing-back.
Timo Werner (Pulisic 80’) 7
Stretched Lille with his pace late in the game, forcing sub Hatem Ben Arfa into a rash foul which earned him a booking.
