Nicolas Jackson may not have found the back of the net against Tottenham, but his impact on Chelsea’s thrilling victory was lauded by head coach Enzo Maresca. Despite his personal disappointment, the Senegalese forward’s actions on the pitch underscored his hunger and leadership qualities.

Jackson has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 14 Premier League matches. His knack for breaking the deadlock has been pivotal, having done so on six occasions – only one player in the league has managed more.

However, his determination and team-first mentality shone brightest in the 4-1 triumph over Spurs.

Speaking about Jackson’s reaction after Cole Palmer equalised from the penalty spot, Enzo Maresca highlighted a key moment of the game that may have gone unnoticed.

“Nico was upset and sad because he didn’t score,” Maresca admitted ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming clash against Brentford.

“But Nico—and it’s something important for you to highlight—did the most important thing in the game against Tottenham. After we scored to make it 2-2 with the penalty from Cole, everyone went to be with Cole, but only one player went to get the ball and bring it back to the middle to start the match again. That was Nico.”

Maresca continued, “That shows the desire of Nico to win. Ten players go to celebrate, one brings the ball back to the halfway line. That shows how Nico is there, and that moment for me is the most important of the game.”

Jackson’s game awareness didn’t end there. Another standout moment came after Enzo Fernandez scored to put Chelsea ahead. The Argentine midfielder started to remove his shirt in celebration, but Jackson intervened, pulling it back down and preventing Fernandez from earning a yellow card.

“Some yellow cards we deserve, some we didn’t deserve, some were because we did something wrong,” Maresca explained. “For sure, if we can avoid yellow cards, then it’s much better. That Nico and Enzo moment was a good example.”