Despite pricey purchases, Chelsea has struggled this season, but manager Mauricio Pochettino has asked for patience, which was tested in a sluggish first half at Stamford Bridge.

In the 54th minute, Palmer scored from close range after Raheem Sterling made a fast burst and fired a low cross in front of goal.

Jackson extended the lead seven minutes later with a simple tap-in at the far post. Sterling was once again involved. He attempted to poke the ball past goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, but it fell to Palmer, who passed it under a leaping Foderingham to Jackson near the goal.

Pochettino left midfielder Enzo Fernandez out of the starting eleven, although he came on as a substitute in the 69th minute.

Chelsea moved up two spots to tenth with its second win in the previous six league games.

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku was an unused substitute. France’s forward has recovered from knee surgery.

Chelsea will face Newcastle in a League Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Sheffield will have to work hard to avoid relegation. The Blades have only two league victories and go to Aston Villa on Friday.