Cole Palmer scored one and set up another to help Chelsea to a 2-0 win over struggling Sheffield United in the Premier League. The former Manchester City forward reacted quickest to tap in a cutback from Raheem Sterling to give Chelsea the lead.
He then turned creator a few minutes after that, reacting again after everyone stopped to set up Nicolas Jackson for his seventh league goal of the campaign and Chelsea's second on the day. Mauricio Pochettino made changes to his team, dropping World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez and playing Palmer as a 10, surrounded by the electric Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Not many fans saw the signing of Cole Palmer in the summer but he's been Chelsea's go-to man in crucial games since joining the club on Transfer Deadline Day. His goal eased up the game and it came crucially at a time when Chelsea were losing their heads due to the low block Sheffield United had set up.
Palmer's assist is also an example of what you can get when you play to the whistle. His decision to set up Nicolas Jackson when everyone stopped playing gave Chelsea the cushion of a second goal and put to bed the game.
Sheffield United have picked up only one point from their last seven away games, and here it was clear they didn't have any idea of how to score a goal. Chris Wilder has come in and tried to make them hard to beat, his next challenge will be how he can get them scoring goals.
Here is how we rated the Chelsea players out there today.
5. Thiago Silva- 6
Strong and powerful on and off the ball. | Getty Images
6. Conor Gallagher- 6
Had Chelsea's first shot on target and pushed himself to the limit in search of a win. Lucky to only get a yellow card for a high-foot challenge in the second half. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Moises Caicedo- 5
Great at winning the ball back but his passing has often left a lot to be desired. | Getty Images
8. Cole Palmer -8
Not as involved in the first half as he would have liked to be. Scored the first goal and then made the second. | Getty Images