5 talking points as Chelsea ease to Champions League win in Sweden

Chelsea moved one step closer to the next stage of this season's Champions League with a 1-0 victory against Malmo in Sweden on Tuesday.

Hakim Ziyech's second-half strike was enough to give Thomas Tuchel's side all three points, with the hosts failing to worry Edouard Mendy.

The defending European champions were dominant in the first half but couldn't find the breakthrough, forcing Malmo goalkeeper Johan Dahlin into seven saves.

Chelsea managed to get their opener in the 56th minute after Ziyech tapped in a lovely low cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Here, Mirror Football lists five talking points from the Champions League clash at the Eleda Stadion - including a Man of the Match display from Ruben Loftus-Cheek

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1. Havertz can play No9

Kai Havertz looked comfortable as a No9 ( Image:

David Lidstrom/Getty Images)

Fans were concerned when Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner picked up injuries against Malmo two weeks ago, leaving Chelsea without a recognised No9.

But Kai Havertz has since proved he's capable of filling in up front, putting in another solid performance against Malmo on Tuesday evening.

It's unlikely the 22-year-old will develop into a No9 in the future, although Tuchel will have plenty of confidence in him if Lukaku and Werner are unavailable.

Speaking before the game, Rio Ferdinand said: "He's an allusive player. He always plays away from people.

"His teammates need to adjust, he's not a conventional number nine - he's not a Lukaku. He's going to work down the sides of teams.

"I see him as someone who is going to grow and become and integral part of this Chelsea team in years to come.

"This is just another part of his education now, he's got to embrace this period."

2. Loftus-Cheek is back

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was superb against Malmo ( Image:

JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Three years after flourishing under Maurzio Sarri, Loftus-Cheek is finally getting another chance at Chelsea - one he's taking.

The 25-year-old has been superb recently and produced another vintage display against the Swedes, surging forward and creating plenty of chances.

After being loaned to Fulham by previous boss Frank Lampard last term, Loftus-Cheek looks set to play an important role under Tuchel this season.

Ferdinand added: "He's a fantastic specimen first and foremost. The impact he has in certain positions, he can intimidate players.

"That was my biggest fear as a defender, when midfielders get in those positions. The strings he has to his bow are beautiful."

3. Chelsea's ridiculous pace

Hakim Ziyech scored the only goal of the game ( Image:

Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine)

If Tuchel ever needs energy at the top end of the pitch, he can always turn to relentless stars Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The two wingers caused Malmo plenty of problems during the first half and combined brilliantly for the team's opener in the 56th minute.

The Swedes never looked like keeping a clean sheet and much of that has to do with Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi repeatedly running at their defence.

4. Pulisic is back

Christian Pulisic made his first Chelsea appearance since August against Malmo ( Image:

JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Christian Pulisic made his long-awaited Chelsea return after missing almost three months of action through illness and an ankle injury.

The American had little more than 20 minutes but played an important role in helping the Blues confirm the result, although he did miss an open goal late on.

Tuchel will be glad to have Pulisic available again and everyone associated with Chelsea will be hoping he can stay fit after two tricky seasons in West London.

Who was Chelsea's best player against Malmo? Have your say!

5. Malmo aren't very good

Malmo weren't expected to progress from Group H but at this rate, it seems as if they won't even get a point in this season's Champions League.

The Swedes were under the cosh from virtually the kick-off, with Chelsea having 14 shots inside the opening 35 minutes at the Eleda Stadion.

After conceding 12 goals in their first four group games, there's a chance they could break the 20-goal barrier before their European run comes to an end.