Nicolas Jackson produced '1000 IQ move' to keep Chelsea's emotions in check during Spurs win and it's pure genius
Published 22:14 8 Dec 2024 GMT
Jackson played a pivotal role that most fans won't have spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Footage of Nicolas Jackson producing an '1000 IQ move' during the closing stages of Chelsea's 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur has emerged.
The Senegal forward - who has eight Premier League goals in 13 matches this season - returned to the Blues starting XI at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after being rotated for the 5-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday.
Spurs went 2-0 up inside the first 15 minutes of the contest, but Enzo Maresca's side produced a superb comeback.
And Jackson was still on the pitch when Enzo Fernandez completed the turnaround to make it 3-2 - before producing a crucial contribution.
The Argentinian midfielder wheeled away after the goal and looked as if he was about to take his shirt off, which would have seen him be on a yellow card for the final 15 minutes of the game.
But a quick-thinking Jackson decided to grab Fernandez's shirt and stop him from taking it off, allowing the midfielder to focus fully on ensuring Chelsea's lead remained intact.
Cole Palmer would subsequently put Chelsea 4-2 up from the penalty spot, before Son Heung-min scored what proved to only be a consolation on 96 minutes.
Speaking after the game to the Blues' official website, Maresca spoke of his pride in how his players achieved their comeback victory: "It's an important win, firstly for the way it arrived. Because to come in this stadium, against this team, and concede two goals, and then continue with the same plan on and off the ball, shows how the players are mentally strong.
"We are trying to work with the players on and off the pitch, but we're also trying to work on mentality and togetherness. To come in this stadium and think you are going to win without suffering is impossible.
"For that, probably it's the perfect win, because two goals down, it was the worst picture for us, even if we were in control.
"We controlled the game, we kept the ball. At half-time, we changed something tactically, and second half we deserved to win."
Featured Image Credit: Getty / Sky Sports
Topics: Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez, Premier League