Hakim Ziyech stars as Chelsea crush Krasnodar with Abramovich watching

Hakim Ziyech celebrates after scoring Chelsea’s third goal. Photograph: Anton Vaganov/Reuters Chelsea disappointed 11,000 Russians inside the Krasnodar Stadium but managed to keep the most important one entertained. There was no danger of Roman Abramovich drifting off as he watched Frank Lampard’s gifted forwards rack up the goals in southern Russia. After stodgy stalemates with Sevilla and Manchester United, defensive stability accompanied attacking flair, helped by Hakim Ziyech marking his first start by leaving Krasnodar’s back four dizzy. Ziyech was outstanding on the right wing, creating, probing and making it 3-0 after a slick combination with Timo Werner, another glamorous summer signing. For Abramovich, watching first hand what his funds have bought, it was a night to savour. As for Lampard, it was a glimpse of where the pieces might fall after receiving heavy backing from Chelsea’s owner, who was present to see his club in the flesh for the first time in more than a year. The challenge for Lampard remains finding the right blend after spending on attacking reinforcements in the summer. Chelsea’s manager has more options than last season but that brings new headaches. How does he keep everyone happy? The trip to Krasnodar, who were weighed down by nine injuries, offered a chance to experiment. Callum Hudson-Odoi came in for a rare start on the left wing and calmed Chelsea’s nerves with the opener after being set up by Kai Havertz, the £62m signing from Bayer Leverkusen. Later on, with Krasnodar ragged, there were goals for Werner, Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, who shone after coming off the bench. Full report here