Chelsea returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over a dogged Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, beaten by Manchester United and Everton in their past two games, broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half when Cole Palmer slotted home after fine work by Raheem Sterling.
It was 2-0 seven minutes later, Nicolas Jackson converting Palmer’s pass after Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham palmed the ball into the former Manchester City youngster’s path.
Chelsea enjoyed almost 80% possession across the 90 minutes, but Conor Gallagher’s long-range effort was their only shot on target in a forgettable first half for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.
Cameron Archer curled wide for the visitors in the first half and full Chelsea debutant Djordje Petrovic pulled off a fine save from Gustavo Hamer’s low free-kick, but that was the closest the visitors came to a breakthrough.
Second-half substitute Armando Broja should have increased Chelsea’s lead late in the second half but somehow skewed Palmer’s low delivery off target from point-blank range.
The Blues move up to tenth place on 22 points, while Sheffield United remain five points from safety at the foot of the table.
