Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United: Palmer stars as Blues get much-needed win

Chelsea beat Premier League bottom club Sheffield United 2-0 on Saturday, scoring twice in seven second-half minutes through Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson.

Palmer broke down a tenacious visiting defense in the 54th minute, poking home from six meters after a one-two with Raheem Sterling.

Palmer then provided the assist in the 61st minute after United keeper Wes Foderingham could only parry the ball to the midfielder following a goalmouth melee, and he fed Jackson, who was unmarked at the far post to turn the ball home.

Sheffield United, led by newly reinstated coach Chris Wilder, had suffocated Chelsea in the first half.

Chelsea forwards Mykhailo Mudryk and Jackson made forays into the visitors' area but were constantly frustrated by the disciplined defence with every man behind the ball.

In the first half, Mauricio Pochettino's expensively assembled side produced only one shot on goal, a Conor Gallagher effort that was calmly collected by Foderingham.

Cameron Archer and James McAtee looked dangerous on the break for United, but their forward runs were limited as United's first-half possession was only 21%.

Pochettino switched Sterling and Cole's positions in the second half in an attempt to break United's stranglehold.

Chelsea's third home league victory of the season moved them up to 10th place, ahead of London rivals Fulham and Brentford. United remained at the bottom of the table.

SportsLigue