Ziyech plays starring role as Chelsea thump Sheff Utd with late flourish

Reece James, Tammy Abraham Chelsea

Winger Hakim Ziyech came up with two assists as Chelsea’s late burst saw them thrash Sheffield United 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.

United, rock bottom of the Premier League at the start of the game, took a surprise early lead, just as they did against Liverpool.

However, Chelsea responded quickly and were ahead before half-time. In the second half, the Blues controlled proceedings throughout to ensure a second successive league win.

Although Chelsea went onto dominate the game, they were set back within the first 10 minutes.

From a Blades short corner, Oliver Norwood fired a hopeful low ball into the box, from which David McGoldrick was quickest to react. The striker produced a fantastic flick to send the ball past Edouard Mendy.

Indeed, in the process, McGoldrick became the first Premier League player to score past Chelsea’s recent recruit.

However, United’s lead only lasted 13 minutes, with Tammy Abraham netting his fourth goal in four games against Chris Wilder’s side.

The England international’s scuffed shot bobbled through the box and over Chris Basham to beat Aaron Ramsdale.

It was then the turn of some sloppy United defending to cost the visitors. Hakim Ziyech’s wonderful ball with his left foot arced right through to the back post, where Ben Chilwell popped up and bundled it in.

But the left-back, who initially looked well-marked, was free in a yard or two of space to score.

Late flourish finishes Sheff Utd off

Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner Chelsea

The visitors headed into the second half with the task of finishing the Blades off. It took just over half an hour to do so, though, when Thiago Silva notched Chelsea’s third.

Morocco international Ziyech was key again, his ball finding the Brazil centre-back, who headed past Ramsdale.

That put the game to bed, but Frank Lampard‘s side were not done there. Timo Werner was inches wide with a chipped effort shortly after but made no mistake with another effort, smashing home to make it 4-1.

The result lifts Chelsea to third in the table ahead of the weekend’s other games. United, meanwhile, continue to prop up the top flight.