Thomas Tuchel continues to benefit from his predecessors’ proteges. Chelsea moved into the top five with a third consecutive win under their new manager. For the second successive game, Maurizio Sarri’s old ally Jorginho converted a penalty. Once again, part of Frank Lampard’s legacy showed he is becoming integral for Tuchel. Mason Mount scored Chelsea’s first and last league goals under his mentor. He opened his account for his successor with a Lampard-esque goal to set up a hard-fought win. Sheffield United were beaten but performed with such verve to suggest that theirs is not a hopeless cause.
Chelsea’s July defeat at Bramall Lane had been United’s last victory for a long six months but they approached this rematch with momentum after five wins in the past month. That renewed positivity almost brought them a first-minute lead. Chris Wilder had changed both his strikers, and the men who came in combined, Oli McBurnie sending Oliver Burke scurrying clear to shoot into the side-netting.
