
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed confidence in Nicolas Jackson despite the striker’s wastefulness in front of goal during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, January 4.
Jackson missed several clear opportunities, which proved costly as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s late equaliser denied Chelsea the win at Selhurst Park.
While fans criticised Jackson’s finishing on social media, Maresca defended his striker and highlighted the positives in his performance.
Speaking after the game, he said (as reported by Football.london):
“For a striker, sometimes they score all their chances, sometimes they don’t score. He had two or three clear chances today, so that means he is there and ready. Hopefully, next time, he can be more lucky.”
Jackson’s missed opportunities were a key talking point of the match. In the ninth minute, he was denied by Chris Richards after being set up by Cole Palmer. He squandered another chance in the 19th minute and side-footed a Palmer assist wide in the 38th minute. These missed chances allowed Palace to stay in the game, with Mateta eventually punishing Chelsea in the 82nd minute.
The result leaves Chelsea in fourth place in the Premier League standings, unable to capitalise on their dominance in possession and chances created.
Despite the frustrations, Maresca’s backing of Jackson, signals trust in the 23-year-old’s potential to bounce back.