Nicolas Jackson led Chelsea to an emphatic 3-0 victory over West Ham, delivering a crucial double that rewarded his manager’s trust at the London Stadium on Saturday. The Senegalese striker, selected by Chelsea’s new boss, Enzo Maresca, as the starting forward for the match, made a significant impact by scoring twice in the first half, setting the tone for a comfortable win.
Jackson’s goals helped pave the way for Chelsea’s third victory in five Premier League matches under Maresca’s leadership. The win was sealed in the second half when Cole Palmer added a third, securing a dominant performance for the Blues.
Maresca’s decision to start Jackson over Christopher Nkunku, who had been the hero in Chelsea’s previous 1-0 win against Bournemouth, raised some eyebrows, especially after Nkunku’s impressive match-winning goal off the bench last weekend. However, Jackson proved his manager’s faith was well-placed, responding with two well-timed goals that solidified Chelsea’s control of the game.
Although Jackson signed a contract extension earlier in September, tying him to Stamford Bridge until 2033, there had been calls for Nkunku to start following his strong performance against Bournemouth. Jackson, who had an inconsistent debut season with Chelsea last year, netting 17 goals but also missing several key opportunities, has started this season in much better form. His latest performance brought his goal tally to four in six games across all competitions, signaling a newfound consistency in front of goal.
At just 23 years old, Jackson appears to be hitting his stride at a critical moment for Chelsea, showing that he is ready to shoulder the responsibility of being the club’s main striker in the Premier League campaign. His decisive performance against West Ham will undoubtedly boost his confidence, as well as reinforce Maresca’s decision to place him at the forefront of Chelsea’s attack.
