Nicolas Jackson’s performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City has sparked questions about his footballing intelligence, with former Blues striker Daniel Sturridge among those expressing concerns.
The Senegalese forward struggled during key moments in Chelsea’s opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season, leading to criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Jackson thought he had scored an important equalizer for Chelsea in the first half, only to see the goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
The 23-year-old striker had pounced on a mistake by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, who spilled a shot from Cole Palmer. However, Jackson’s positioning in the buildup was off, leading to the disallowed goal.
This wasn’t the only moment where Jackson came up short. He also missed a golden opportunity to level the score, firing straight at Ederson when he was one-on-one with the keeper.
His failure to capitalize on Chelsea’s best chance of the match drew frustration from the supporters and raised further doubts about his ability to lead the line for the club.
Jackson’s disappointing performance ended with him being substituted in the 66th minute. His struggles have led to criticism, with Daniel Sturridge particularly vocal during halftime.
The former Chelsea striker questioned Jackson’s decision-making, saying, “It’s about IQ as well. As a striker, you need to time your run correctly.
When the goalkeeper spills the ball, you’ve got to be onside to take advantage. Those chances are rare, and you have to be ready.”
Sturridge highlighted the importance of timing and awareness for a striker, noting that Jackson’s mistakes cost Chelsea dearly in a match where chances were hard to come by.
He emphasized that as a center forward, Jackson needs to be smarter in these situations to ensure he’s in the right place at the right time.
Jackson’s performance against Manchester City adds to the growing concerns about his time at Stamford Bridge.
Many fans and experts are questioning whether he is the right man to lead Chelsea’s attack, especially with potential transfer targets like Victor Osimhen being linked to the club.
As Chelsea look to bounce back from this disappointing start to the season, the pressure will be on Jackson to prove his worth and show that he can be a reliable goal scorer for the Blues.
