“Jackson’s Brace Leads Chelsea to 3-0 Victory Over West Ham as Maresca’s Side Impresses”
Nicolas Jackson led Chelsea to a 3-0 victory over West Ham, as the Senegalese striker rewarded his manager’s trust with a crucial brace at the London Stadium on Saturday.
Jackson netted twice in the first half before Cole Palmer sealed Chelsea’s third win in five Premier League matches under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Jackson’s double came at a perfect time, having been chosen by Maresca as Chelsea’s first-choice striker on Friday, despite Christopher Nkunku’s game-winning performance against Bournemouth the previous weekend.
Although Jackson signed a contract extension earlier in September, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2033, there were calls for Nkunku to start after the French forward came off the bench to score the only goal in the 1-0 win against Bournemouth.
Jackson, who scored 17 goals during a mixed debut season with Chelsea, had previously been criticized for missing several key chances.
However, the 23-year-old has started this season strongly, already scoring four goals in six matches across all competitions.
Chelsea have won all three of their away league games this season, losing only once, to reigning champions Manchester City, in their five top-flight fixtures.
Despite reports of internal conflict between Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, former Leicester City manager Maresca, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino during the offseason, has made a promising start.
After finishing sixth and 12th in the past two seasons, there are hopeful signs that the Italian could be the one to transform Chelsea’s costly, underperforming squad into top-four challengers.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s poor start to the season has already increased pressure on new manager Julen Lopetegui. The former Spain and Real Madrid boss was jeered by the few remaining frustrated fans, with many having left the stadium well before the final whistle.
West Ham have won only one of their five Premier League games this season, losing three consecutive home matches for the first time to opena league campaign.