Premier League GW17 - Chelsea vs Sheff Utd

Chelsea vs Sheff Utd | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Chelsea and Sheffield United faced off at Stamford Bridge, with both teams looking for crucial victories for distinct reasons. Sheffield United, who were at the bottom of the league, wanted to turn things around, while Chelsea wanted to recover from previous failures. Everything was in place for an exciting fight.

Chelsea:

Chelsea's previous two games have ended in defeat, first 2-1 at Manchester United and then 2-0 at Everton last week. The latter encounter was the team's fifth consecutive top-flight match in which they have conceded at least two goals. Since 2013, when Mauricio Pochettino was still the Southampton manager, the team has not dropped three straight Premier League games. As we reach the midway point, his injury-plagued team is sitting 12th in the standings, at least 14 points outside the top four.

Sheff Utd:

Last Saturday, Sheffield United finally secured their second victory and first clean sheet of the Premier League season. Despite the victory, the Blades remain bottom of the standings based on goal differential. They defeated Brentford 1-0. They haven't won back-to-back Premier League games since July 2020, when Chris Wilder was the manager; that time, the second victory came against Chelsea. Having lost six of their first seven road trips this season, United is the only team without an away victory.

Starting XI:

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1):

Dorde Petrovic; Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill; Moises Caicedo, Connor Gallgher; Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk; Nicolas Jackson.

SUBS: Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom, Armando Broja, Ian Maatsen, Enzo Fernandez, Malo Gusto, Alfie Gilchrist, Christopher Nkunku, Alex Matos.

SHEFFIELD UNITED (4-1-4-1):

Wes Foderingham; Jayden Bogle, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Auston Trusty, Max Lowe; Vinicius Souza; James McAtee, Gustavo Hamer, Andre Brooks, Cameron Archer; Oli McBurnie.

SUBS: Adam Davies, George Baldock, Luke Thomas, Benie Traore, William Osula, Ben Osborn, Yasser Larouci, Anis Ben Slimane, Oliver Norwood.

Stamford Bridge Stadium | Picture Credits: Goal.com

First Half: Cagey Affair

Sheffield United's defense held firm during the heated early exchanges. Chelsea, who has been struggling recently, had trouble breaking through the Blades' defense. There were few opportunities, and neither team was able to come up with a clear winner. There was a sense of expectation at the end of the first half, waiting for a possible change in direction.

Second Half: Palmer Sparks Chelsea to Life

In the 54th minute, the impasse was broken, and Cole Palmer's vivacious play was crucial. Palmer was in the six-yard box when Raheem Sterling's low cross from the right found him, and he slotted in with accuracy. As Chelsea grabbed a crucial 1-0 lead, Stamford Bridge went wild.

Seven minutes later, Palmer and Sterling's dynamic combo was wreaking havoc once more. Following a disorganized play in the penalty area, Palmer sent in a precise cross from the right. Nicolas Jackson took advantage of the situation and buried the ball in the goal. With Chelsea's lead doubled, the Blades were in for a difficult fight.

The excitement at Stamford Bridge subsided for a little while as VAR examined the goals. But when both goals were confirmed, the fans felt a wave of relief. There was no denying Palmer's influence on the match, as Chelsea led 2-0 with ease.

As the match went on, Chelsea kept demonstrating their superiority. Palmer and Sterling clicked well together, generating many of opportunities. Wes Foderingham, the goalkeeper for Sheffield United, showed quick reactions to deny Sterling and then deftly pushed away a weak free-kick from Palmer. But Broja of Chelsea squandered a clear opportunity when he failed to finish a Palmer set-up.

Chelsea Secure Vital Win

Finally, Chelsea won 2-0 with great confidence. Thanks to Cole Palmer's late-game surge, Mauricio Pochettino's team overcome early difficulties. After recent setbacks, Chelsea's victory puts them back in the top half of the standings and provides much-needed momentum. Sheffield United, positioned at the bottom, will have to fight their way up to stay alive.

Finally, Chelsea won 2-0 with great confidence. Thanks to Cole Palmer's late-game surge, Mauricio Pochettino's team overcome early difficulties. After recent setbacks, Chelsea's victory puts them back in the top half of the standings and provides much-needed momentum. Sheffield United, positioned at the bottom, will have to fight their way up to stay alive.

Goalless first half as both teams struggled to score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Palmer's goal gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead in the second half | Picture Credits: Evening Standard

Jackson scored and doubled the lead for Chelsea | Picture Credits: Premier League Website