What a difference 12 months can make. This time last year, Nicolas Jackson was a near-Premier League punchline, but now he is proving to be one of the very best strikers in the division.
His opener against Newcastle has created some very interesting and impressive statistics.
Jackson was on hand in the 18th minute to fire past Nick Pope after some lovely work from Pedro Neto. The move, unsurprisingly at this point, saw a starring role from Cole Palmer, who picked out the Portuguese winger with a brilliant pass.
The goal was Jackson’s sixth in the league so far this season, and when coupled with his three assists, means he is averaging a goal contribution per game. Stretching further back, it is now 14 contributions (10 goals, four assists) in his last 14 games between this season and last.
Nicolas Jackson’s last 8 Premier League games:
Six goals ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Three assists 🎯🎯🎯Found his form 🇸🇳🔵 pic.twitter.com/YBxXTmdTh3
— LiveScore (@livescore) October 27, 2024
Jackson’s 20th Premier League goal for the Blues also sees him go level with Fernando Torres, a player, who unlike the 23-year-old, never truly recovered from a poor start at Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson has now scored the same amount of Premier League goals for Chelsea as Fernando Torres (20).
He’s the 30th different player to score 20 goals in the competition for the Blues. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/dnrGujxAoZ
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 27, 2024
He is quickly proving to be the no.9 Chelsea so badly needed.