Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has come under fire from Ally McCoist for his lack of bravery in front of goal during their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday.
Jackson was handed a starting berth in the absence of Cole Palmer, who missed the match with illness, but failed to make an impact. The 22-year-old missed a glorious chance to give Chelsea the lead in the first half, heading wide from close range.
McCoist, a former Rangers and Scotland striker, was critical of Jackson’s timid approach, saying: ‘Jackson puts his hands up for some reason. I have no idea. You have got to be braver. I can tell you right now, you have got to be braver.’
‘An old-fashioned centre-forward heads that,’ added McCoist.
Jackson’s struggles continued throughout the match, as Arsenal took control of proceedings. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first half, with Kai Havertz and Ben White adding further goals after the break.
The defeat leaves Chelsea languishing in ninth place in the Premier League table, with their hopes of qualifying for Europe hanging in the balance. Jackson’s performance will be a major concern for manager Graham Potter, who needs his strikers to start finding the back of the net if Chelsea are to turn their season around.
