Cole Palmer spared Chelsea's blushes with a goal and an assist to break down bottom of the table Sheffield United.

The Blues were toothless in a poor first half but Palmer's left boot broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, turning in a low cutback from Raheem Sterling.

The summer signing then squared a ball to Nicolas Jackson to tap home a confidence-boosting second just seven minutes later.

Chelsea ultimately eased to back-to-back league home wins for the first time since October 2022 but only after their £40million addition from Manchester City managed to step up.

They will need to build on this victory with improved performances against Newcastle in midweek and away at Wolves.

Cole Palmer delivers the required quality

After a slight dip in performance last week, Palmer was back to his best. Yes, it was 'only' Sheffield United but Chelsea needed his quality.

His ball out wide to Sterling and run into the box helped break down a stubborn defence before he kept his cool as the Blades panicked to put a goal on a plate for Jackson.

That calmness breeds more calmness, giving Jackson a goal he desperately needed as the hosts often looked rushed and lacked composure when attacking.

His display also allowed Pochettino to hold back Christopher Nkunku, who was an unused substitute and, ultimately not needed.

The Conor Gallagher show

During a poor first half, Conor Gallagher was the only Chelsea player unburdened by the pressure.

The stand-in captain was everywhere, winning the ball back in defence and running forward to join the attacks.

His pressing twice created shooting opportunities, including one for himself, which was down the throat of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

His display also lifted Moises Caicedo, who played well as a single pivot in midfield, allowing Gallagher to attack.

Remarkably, Chelsea could soon sell Gallagher despite him being one of their most in-form players.

Can the strikers raise their game?

Jackson was non-existent in the first half, getting caught offside three times and giving the fewest touches of any outfield Chelsea player.

The £32million signing from Villarreal kept going and got his goal. Armando Broja got his chance 13 minutes later but missed a similar open goal again created by Palmer.

It was a bad miss but he was unlucky to win a penalty as he plays himself back into form after nearly a year out with a major knee injury.

With Nkunku also back but unused, the trio still have time to convince Chelsea not to enter the transfer market for a striker in January.