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Olivier Giroud scored a late goal as Chelsea beat Rennes 2-1 to confirm their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Frank Lampard’s team led for much of the night, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring from a perfect one-inch Mason Mount pass.
Chelsea missed a number of chances to double their lead and it looked like they were going to have to call when Sehrou Guirassy scored a tying goal with a header five minutes from time.
But in the last minute of regulation time, Giroud scored a clever header to give Chelsea all three points, a result that guarantees their progression to the next round.
Hudson-Odoi leaves his mark
“You have the team for a reason. Callum is a young and developing player. He has done good performances, I liked him when he entered Newcastle.
“I have confidence in him. When you change teams, you want to maintain the levels and maybe improve them. “
Frank Lampard spoke in glowing terms about the England international and lived up to expectations.
With the competition for places at a staggering level at Stamford Bridge, Hudson-Odoi will have to make the most of his opportunities and he did it in France.
Holding on to Mount’s impressive pass, the 20-year-old finished clinically.
He stays in Lampard’s thoughts and that’s all he can do.
Mount Magic
Now it seems like a long time ago that England and Chelsea fans flooded social media with comments every time the midfielder was named to a starting eleven.
Perhaps it’s the torrent of praise from teammates that has finally opened even the most negative eyes to his ability.
But it seems that with each passing week, Mount adds another signature moment to his resume.
The ball for the Hudson-Odoi opener is one we’ll see over and over again.
He will be a Chelsea and England regular for a long time, without question.
What theft …
The signing of Edouard Mendy has been proven to be Chelsea’s biggest transfer business in the recent summer wave.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, there was always the fear that a goal could be conceded at any time and place.
But since Mendy received the number one jersey at Stamford Bridge, he has become a truly commanding figure and has an air of authority.
Against Rennes he made a powerfully impressive save and, although he conceded a late header, had little chance.
Glenn Hoddle claimed that Chelsea made the deal “cheaply,” it’s hard to disagree.
Giroud does it again
Top scorer in the Europa League last season and despite all the newcomers, when Chelsea needed a goal, he was the man for the big occasion.
In international service, he does what he always does for France and came close to Thierry Henry’s scoring record.
Much has been said about Giroud’s future at Stamford Bridge, with many suggesting that he will be on the move in January.
But this was the kind of intervention he demonstrates while Lampard is so eager to keep him on his team.
How far will Chelsea go in the Champions League? Give your opinion in the comments below.
Missed opportunities almost cost Chelsea
For the second time in four days, Frank Lampard’s team missed a number of opportunities during a period of initial dominance.
Against Newcastle, they survived a period of pressure to finally win 2-0, but against Rennes, they were not so lucky.
Timo Werner missed a babysitter in the opening minutes, while Mount was extremely unlucky not to score with a shot inside the six-yard box.
Chelsea fell badly in the second half and Sehrou Guirassy’s draw was well deserved.
Fortunately for Lampard, Chelsea scored a late winner that will allow him to rest some tired legs for weeks to come, but they should have been out of sight by now.
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