Cole Palmer stars as Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0

• Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to record their third Premier League victory at home this season
• Mauricio Pochettino was delighted by his side’s result as they dispelled memories of losses at Everton and Manchester United

Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to record their third Premier League victory at home this season. Cole Palmer played a massive role in the Blues’ victory, scoring the first goal and then assisting the second goal, which was scored by Nicolas Jackson.

It looked like Mauricio Pochettino’s men were on course to another poor result at home when Cole Palmer opened the scoring (54) after a brilliant play by Raheem Sterling. The youngster then pounced on a goalkeeping error to lay the ball on a plate for Nicolas Jackson, who easily converted (61) to double his side’s lead.

Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea’s second goal against Sheffield United after being fed by Cole Palmer. Photo/ San Diego Union-Tribune.

Mauricio Pochettino was delighted by his side’s result as they dispelled memories of losses at Everton and Manchester United in their last two Premier League games. The Argentine manager hailed Palmer’s massive contribution in the crucial win after his side displayed one of the most forgettable first half in Premier League history.

“I think we talked a lot during the week after Everton about needing drastic change. It was important to confirm that we are in a good way. The team in the first half was frustrated because we couldn’t find a way past the low block of Sheffield United. The second half we were much better, we fixed things. The team started to find better possibilities to play, to link much better. Cole from the right, going into the space, started to link better with team-mates and be the player that we want to use – a playmaker.” Mauricio Pochettino told Sky Sports after Chelsea beat Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer has so far been directly involved in 13 goals for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City this summer. Chelsea have moved into the top half of the table, with 22 points after 17 matches. On the other hand, Sheffield United remain last on the standings despite a spirited fight.

How Chelsea Beat Sheffield United

Having fallen to a dismal defeat to Everton last weekend, Chelsea needed to show a better performance against rock-bottom Sheffield United. Mauricio Pochettino made five changes to his team, handing starts to Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Levi Colwill and Nicolas Jackson. With Robert Sanchez struggling with a knee problem, Djordje Petrovic got the opportunity to make his debut for the Blues.

Chelsea started the match on a high note, dominating possession in the first 20 minutes. Despite being in control of the match, the Blues weren’t able to convert the few chances they had in front of goal. In fact, Conor Gallagher’s long range effort was the only shot on target Mauricio Pochettino’s men had in the first 45.

However, the hosts came back after the break on the front feet and were soon rewarded with an opener. The breakthrough came when Palmer passed the ball to Raheem Sterling in the box and the talented winger drove to the byline before releasing a low cross that was directed in by the 20-year-old.

That goal spurred the hosts to life and it was only a matter of minutes before they came knocking for another. Once again, Palmer played a crucial role as he reacted quickest to find Nicolas Jackson as everyone stood in confusion waiting for a penalty after Sterling was fouled. Jackson tapped home from close range to ensure his side were cruising to a comfortable victory.

Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 on Saturday. Photo/ Football365.

Armando Broja, who replaced Sterling in the 75th minute, should have increased Chelsea’s lead but somehow failed to convert from point-blank range. Nevertheless, the Blues took all the three points while keeping a clean sheet. They enjoyed almost 80% possession throughout the match.