Chelsea's Champions League win over Rennes could not have been more routine, over as a contest before the interval against opponents reduced to damage limitation and numerical disadvantage inside 45 minutes.
And yet, despite the low-key and comfortable nature of the 3-0 victory, it can be judged in the wider context as another sign of the progress being made under manager Frank Lampard that has lurked a little beneath the radar.
The bare facts are that Chelsea's latest Champions League triumph was never in question after Timo Werner's two first-half penalties, both given against Rennes defender Dalbert, the second for a harsh handball offence which brought a second yellow card and dismissal.