Following a string of impressive draws against Manchester City earlier in the season, Chelsea once again showcased their resilience against Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley Stadium. However, their efforts ultimately fell short, as the 2023 winners secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Bernardo Silva’s decisive goal six minutes before full time.
Prior to Silva’s game-winning strike, Chelsea’s Jackson had squandered several golden opportunities, including two clear-cut chances where he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Jackson also missed a headed chance from a dangerous position, directing his effort too close to Stefan Ortega.
Despite Jackson’s missed opportunities, manager Pochettino expressed unwavering support for the Senegalese international at his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal. Pochettino acknowledged the challenges of a striker’s role and highlighted Jackson’s positive contributions, including his goals, assists, and overall work rate.
Jackson joined Chelsea after a successful campaign with Villarreal, despite a failed move to Bournemouth earlier this year due to a medical issue. While he has endured inconsistent performances, Jackson has reached this stage of the campaign with 13 goals and five assists to his name. Given that he has also featured on the left wing, his goal return is considered respectable for a player in their first year in English football.
However, Saturday’s match highlighted that Jackson’s strengths lie in his instinctive finishing abilities, as showcased in the recent match against Everton. In situations where he has more time to assess his options, he may need to improve his decision-making.
As Chelsea look towards next season, Jackson’s role may evolve to become the first-choice left winger or second-choice center forward. The club’s transfer plans and available funds will ultimately determine the exact nature of his position.
