Cole Palmer expressed his admiration for Nicolas Jackson following Chelsea’s impressive 3-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
The Blues delivered what many consider their best performance of the season, with Jackson playing a pivotal role by scoring twice and assisting Palmer for Chelsea’s third goal.
Jackson’s stellar display came after a successful debut season where he netted 17 goals across all competitions, including 14 in the Premier League. This season, he has continued to impress, already accumulating three goals and two assists in just five league matches.
Palmer’s praise for Jackson highlighted the striker’s impact on the team. Throughout the summer, there were discussions about Chelsea needing to sign a new striker who could challenge Jackson for his starting position.
However, Jackson has responded positively to that pressure, starting the season strongly and proving his worth.
After a previous match against Bournemouth, where Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to secure a late winner, some fans and analysts suggested that Nkunku should replace Jackson in the starting lineup.
Yet, Jackson silenced any critics with his performance against West Ham, scoring two well-taken goals that put Chelsea firmly in control of the match. Additionally, he displayed excellent vision by setting up Palmer for the decisive third goal.
Despite facing criticism since his arrival in England, Jackson has continued to demonstrate his capabilities, gradually earning the respect of fans and teammates alike. After the match, Palmer emphasized the high regard in which Jackson is held within the squad.
“A tough place to come and a good three points, we are happy,” Palmer stated in his interview with TNT Sports. He further acknowledged Jackson’s talent, stating, “Everybody knows he [Nicolas Jackson] is a top player, he needs to keep going.”
Palmer reinforced the belief among both the Chelsea fans and players, saying, “We know what he is capable of.” This endorsement from a teammate illustrates the growing confidence within the Chelsea squad as they look to build on this victory and continue their upward trajectory in the Premier League.