Jackson has scored 13 times for the Blues in 39 appearances in all competitions (Image: Getty Images)
Despite having a challenging first season with Chelsea, Senegal international Nicolas Jackson is not hiding his dismal goal return with the Blues.
Nicolas Jackson has acknowledged that his return to goals for Chelsea this season has left him feeling let down.
Jackson joined the Blues in the summer after leaving Villarreal, and in 39 appearances across all competitions, he has 13 goals. Jackson has been Mauricio Pochettino’s primary man up front since Christopher Nkunku has been sidelined for a large portion of the season.
But Cole Palmer is currently leading Chelsea’s scoring charts, and the Senegal international has found it difficult to live up to the expectations. Palmer has scored 20 goals in the Premier League, but Jackson has only scored half as many and has a pitiful 15.6% conversion rate.
The 22-year-old has turned into a lightning rod for Chelsea supporters’ grievances during their underwhelming campaign. The striker stated that he will get better for the upcoming campaign despite refusing to hide from that setback.
“I believe that with the opportunities I missed, I should have scored more. It’s good, but playing in the Champions League the next season is what I came for,” Jackson said to Sky Sports prior to Thursday’s matchup with Tottenham.
“We attempt to fight the following year, and everything happens for a reason. The most crucial thing is for the team to perform as high as possible and satisfy the supporters, regardless of my score of ten or fifteen. The objectives will follow.
“Aiming for daily improvement. The most crucial [thing] is to play, support, and be available for the team. I try to create more opportunities and score more points, but I miss a lot. I’m hoping for better things next year.”
Jackson has scored just 13 goals for the Blues in all competitions ( Image: Rob Newell)
Jackson, who has started Chelsea’s last ten Premier League games, is expected to be a major player against Spurs. Though he did score a hat-trick against Tottenham in the rematch earlier this season, he has only managed three goals in that time.
The young player was ineffective once more in Saturday’s draw against Aston Villa, which dropped the Blues to ninth place in the Premier League. However, Ian Wright, the legendary player for Arsenal, has seen enough to believe that Jackson will soon establish his value.
“By the way, Nicolas Jackson and I are dating. I must speak of him. During Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, I watched him fully again,” the legendary Gunners player said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.
“I’ve watched him for the past three or four games, and while his missed opportunities always come up when people discuss him, I really like the guy’s pace, link, and touch. There is something going on.
“I’m telling you, there’s something there if he can score goals like that. He performed some outstanding actions against Villa. I’m hoping he can get it. I’ve seen glimpses, so if he has what it takes in terms of energy and personality, this guy could be special. I’m letting you know.”
