Chelsea returned to action after the international break with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring from an Enzo Fernandez assist. Fernandez doubled Chelsea's lead by heading in a rebound after Jackson's shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Leicester’s late consolation goal came after Romeo Lavia tripped Bobby Reid, allowing Jordan Ayew to score from the penalty spot. Here are the positives and negatives from the match:
Positives
1. Nicolas Jackson Keeps Getting Better
One of the reasons Chelsea struggled to meet expectations last season was Nicolas Jackson's inconsistency in converting chances and his poor decision-making in the final third. While his overall game was strong, those flaws were evident. This season, however, Jackson has shown immense improvement in finishing and decision-making, establishing himself as one of the most well-rounded center-forwards in the game.
The opening goal was a testament to Jackson's persistence and composure. He outmuscled Wout Faes before linking up with Enzo Fernandez, whose return pass set Jackson up for a brilliant outside-the-foot finish past Mads Hermansen. Jackson’s movement was crucial in Chelsea's second goal as well. He directed Marc Cucurella's cross toward the goal, and while his effort was saved, Fernandez capitalized on the rebound.
Jackson’s overall game remained consistent with what fans have seen this season—high pressing, excellent support for midfielders, and sharp passing. He nearly added an assist when he found Noni Madueke with a precise cross, but the winger missed the target.