Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca watched his side extend their winning run during Sunday night’s victory over Brentford.
Chelsea made it five consecutive wins in the Premier League last night with a 2-1 success at home to local rivals Brentford.
Marc Cucurella put the Blues 1-0 in front in the first half with a superb header. Unfortunately, he was shown a second yellow card after the final whistle, so he’ll miss next weekend’s trip to Everton through suspension.
Nicolas Jackson added Chelsea’s second goal with a composed right-footed strike, which takes his tally up to nine league goals for the season.
Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo reduced the deficit with his 90th minute goal, but Enzo Maresca watched his team hold on for an important three points.
The Blues are now only two points behind division leaders Liverpool, who dropped points over the weekend with a 2-2 draw against Fulham. Even though there’s plenty of external noise about a potential title challenge, Chelsea won’t internally think about the title until March.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Enzo Fernandez during the Premier League match between Chelsea F...
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca raves about Nicolas Jackson
Maresca, the Chelsea manager, was delighted after chalking up another win. During his post-match interview, he singled out Nicolas Jackson for some special praise after his weekend performance.
The 23-year-old Blues striker wasted a couple of good chances to get on the scoresheet, but he finally did net a decisive goal with a superb low finish into the bottom corner.
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“Not only Nico [Jackson], players miss chances and they score a goal. Important is the attitude. Nico was unbelievable on and off the ball. He worked really hard and we’re very happy with him,” Maresca told BBC Sport.
Like Maresca mentioned, Jackson put in a tireless shift both with and without the ball. It’s certainly a reason why he’s getting the nod over Christopher Nkunku to start every week in the Premier League.
Jason Cundy compared Jackson to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba for some of his defensive work versus Brentford.
Nicolas Jackson makes his mark vs Brentford
Jackson continues to make his impact in a Chelsea side that is surprising everybody this season. The Senegal international should certainly be satisfied with nine top-flight goals so far.
FOTMOB data has provided the individual statistics from Jackson’s performance against Brentford:
Match rating – 8.0
Minutes played – 83
Goals – 1
Total shots – 7
Big chances missed – 1
Successful dribbles – 1/3 (33%)
Touches in opposition box – 10
Accurate passes – 10/18 (56%)
Tackles won – 1/3 (33%)
Recoveries – 2
Duels won – 5
Duels lost – 6
Maresca said Jackson was sad he didn’t score against Tottenham during the recent away win over their rivals. Therefore, it was great to see him respond with a goal and eye-catching display in the Brentford victory.
Next, the Blues host Shamrock Rovers on Thursday in a Conference League group stage match, which is followed by a league trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.
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