Goals from Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson secured a 2-0 victory for Chelsea against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Despite the home side dominating possession, they were kept at bay by United until Palmer found the breakthrough from close range nine minutes into the second half.
Jackson doubled the lead shortly after while United had the ball in the net through Cameron Archer, although their celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag after he adjudged James McAtee had run the ball out of play moments earlier. United return to action next Friday night at Aston Villa and here's how we rated their performances at Stamford Bridge...
5. Max Lowe 5
Back in the side at left-back with Robinson suspended and stuck to his task well against Sterling, timing one tackle perfectly as the in-form England man looked to get past him on the outside in the first half. Booked late on for a late challenge on Fernandez after both goals originated from low crosses down his side
6. Vini Souza 6
Poleaxed for the second game in succession, this time the flailing arm of Caiceido sending him to the turf rather than a bad tackle and again VAR failed to intervene. A good physical presence in midfield but also looked comfortable on the ball too, spraying some nice passes to the wing and even throwing in a few stepovers for good measure
7. Gus Hamer 5
Forced a save from Petrovic in the home goal from a free-kick from long-range that replays show might just have been sneaking wide, but the debutant goalkeeper didn't take a chance. Replaced late on by Slimane
8. Andre Brooks 6
Handed another tough assignment against some big-money names but again didn't look overawed, even giving Mudryk a ride on his back after a Blades corner that bizarrely saw him penalised. Couldn't do enough to prevent Sterling getting a cross in for the opening goal amd made way soon after for Osula