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It will be hard to criticise Nicolas Jackson this week after the Senegalese star scored for Chelsea against Crystal Palace
Chelsea striker Nicholas Jackson has shut his critics up after netting in back-to-back games for the Blues, with a goal in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
Jackson opened the scoring for Chelsea with a deft finish after an assist from Cole Palmer, before Ebere Eze equalised for Crystal Palace early in the second half.
With Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel declaring that he would happily “shut up” about Jackson if the Senegalese striker kept on scoring, this looks like another week that the former Chelsea star will have to keep from criticising the current Blues forward.
How it happened
Chelsea dominated the early proceedings and could have taken the lead when Cole Palmer narrowly missed the target, while Noni Madueke wasted two close-range opportunities before Jackson scored in the 25th minute, finishing off a well-executed team move.
Jackson’s goal was his second in successive games and was assisted by Palmer, who reached 15 assists in the Premier League since his move to Chelsea last summer, making him the player to have provided the most goals for teammates since he joined the Blues.
Palace struggled to pose any real threat in the first half but were back on level terms early in the second half when Eze equalised with a superb curling shot from the edge of the box, leaving Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with no chance.
Chelsea, eager to reclaim the lead, brought on Mykhailo Mudryk after Malo Gusto's injury, but the Ukrainian, along with the rest of the Chelsea attack, failed to make an impact, and despite some late pressure and opportunities for Jackson, the Blues couldn't find a winner.
In the end, both teams settled for a point, a much-needed result for Oliver Glasner's Palace side as they avoided a third consecutive defeat with their first draw against Chelsea since 1995.
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