CHELSEA FLOP player Nicholas Jackson has left Stamford Bridge this Evening to join shocking Premier League Rival after critism from fans
It might have been quite different for Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea on Saturday if the Blues had not squandered so many chances against Manchester City. Enduring Wembley woes in previous years, the west London club suffered a narrow 1-0 loss in their FA Cup semi-final clash, thanks to Bernardo Silva’s 84th-minute goal.
Perhaps a little harsh on Chelsea, with City not at their dominating best, the Blues paid the final price for not putting their opportunities on goal. They also had several excellent opportunities, with Nicolas Jackson notably squandering three golden chances that would have given his team the lead and maybe a spot in the showpiece final.
The 22-year-old joined Chelsea from Villarreal last summer and has had a mixed debut season in the Premier League. Thirteen goals and five assists in 37 games is a respectable result for a player in his first year in a new nation, adjusting to the speed and intensity of England’s top division.
Jackson’s stats are promising, particularly for someone his age and at this point in his career, and they will definitely increase next season if he can take his game to the next level or two. Many Chelsea supporters would argue that his goal total should be considerably higher after numerous missed opportunities during the season.
His first miss in the FA Cup semi-final versus City demonstrated his terrible decision-making abilities when clean through. Rather than take a shot on goal from 18 yards out with Stefan Ortega in an advanced position, the Senegal international attempted to circle the goalie but went wide.
Not only that, but it enabled Kyle Walker and John Stones to return and defend City’s goal. His ensuing pass to Cole Palmer was too short, so Nathan Ake cleared the ball away from danger.
Jackson couldn’t make up for his blunder immediately after the restart, as Conor Gallagher passed him through on goal. When Ortega decided to fire, he got a solid grasp on the ball and headed right at the German from six yards out following Palmer’s accurate cross.
It was a pivotal moment in the game, as squandered chances proved costly, with City increasing the pressure before scoring via Silva. While many people would refer to Jackson’s critical missed shots in the cup game, the player did show another part of his game that is outstanding.
In the early parts of the game, when Chelsea caused issues for their opponents, the former Mirandes loanee excelled with his hold-up play and ability to connect with his teammates. The player repeated this on many occasions, resulting in the Blues mounting a handful of serious assaults.
There are two sides to Jackson’s game, with finishing being the one that has let him down on many occasions. If Pochettino and his coaching team can work on that aspect of the player’s game and he improves significantly, the Blues may have a very dangerous player.
