Chelsea's Timo Werner netted twice before half-time. AP
Chelsea's Timo Werner netted twice before half-time. AP
Chelsea's Timo Werner netted twice before half-time. AP
Chelsea's Timo Werner netted twice before half-time. AP

Chelsea cruise as Werner's penalty double sinks Rennes


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Timo Werner scored two penalties as Chelsea powered to a 3-0 win against 10-man Rennes in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Werner netted twice before half-time at Stamford Bridge after Rennes defender Dalbert conceded both penalties.

Dalbert was sent off after the second penalty and Chelsea made the most of their advantage to score again through Tammy Abraham early in the second half.

Frank Lampard's side are top of Group E with seven points after three games and look well set to qualify for the last 16.

Chelsea have started a Champions League campaign with three consecutive clean sheets in the group stage for the first time since 2009-2010.

As well as keeping five successive clean sheets in all competitions for the first time in 10 years, banishing the defensive problems that ailed them earlier this season, the Blues have scored 10 goals in their past three games.

The combination of a well-drilled defence and a potent attack is a welcome sight for Lampard, who has been working overtime to find the right formula after spending over £200 million ($259m) on new signings in the close-season.

Chelsea are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions and Lampard's only concern was the absence of Kai Havertz, who was left out of the squad after going into self-isolation following a positive coronavirus test.

Hakim Ziyech came close to putting Chelsea ahead when his audacious volley from the edge of the area looped just over.

Instead, it was Werner who opened the scoring in the 10th minute.

His deft touch induced a rash tackle from Dalbert just inside the area, winning a penalty that the German striker calmly converted.

Werner's third goal in his past three games was the signal for Chelsea to dominate possession.

For all Chelsea's control, they were almost caught out when Benjamin Bourigeaud's free-kick flew just wide of the far post.

But Dalbert's disastrous day was complete in the 41st minute when he stuck out a foot to block Abraham's shot and diverted it on to his arm.

After a video review, the penalty was awarded and Dalbert was dismissed for his second booking.

It was a harsh decision, but Werner lashed the spot-kick high into the roof of the net for his seventh goal of the season to rub salt into Rennes' wounds.

Werner, a close-season signing from Leipzig, has now been directly involved in 13 goals in his past 14 appearances in the Champions League.

Chelsea went for the kill after half-time and Jorginho's defence-splitting pass found Abraham, whose shot was bravely blocked by Alfred Gomis.

Abraham got his goal anyway in the 50th minute, meeting Reece James' cross with a close-range finish for his third goal of the season and his first since September.

Werner nearly notched his hat-trick from James' cross, but Damien da Silva cleared away from the striker as he prepared to pull the trigger.

Gomis made a good save to deny Olivier Giroud in the closing stages but Chelsea had already done enough damage.

Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, who joined from Rennes in September, was rarely tested against his old club.

Mendy did make one good save to keep out Jeremy Dokumade's strike in the final moments, giving the Senegal international six clean sheets in his past six appearances.

Recipe

Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo

Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients

180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Method

Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.

Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.

Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking,  remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.

Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.

 

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Three ways to get a gratitude glow

By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.

  • During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
  • As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
  • In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.