Chelsea were on the end of an upset at the Club World Cup, losing 3-1 against Flamengo. For a while, it had looked like the Blues were in control. They went up through Pedro Neto in the first half and maintained that lead until the break. But the game changed after the hour mark and by the 65th minute, Enzo Maresca's side found themselves 2-1 down.
Then, Nicolas Jackson ended up seeing a straight red card, merely minutes after being brought on, to put the game beyond Chelsea. At that point, a comeback was possible but with a man down and momentum against them, it became a lot more difficult for the Blues.
Ultimately, they ended up losing 3-1. While there were a lot of players who have disappointed for a while, Jackson is the one who will receive the lion's share of the criticism and rightfully so.
This is not the first time that he has done something like this either. He was also sent off against Newcastle United towards the end of last season and that could have ended up costing the Blues in the top five race. Thankfully, it did not. But that issue cannot be overlooked much longer.
'Unbelievable' - Chelsea legend slams Nicolas Jackson after red card
John Obi Mikel, who has been critical of Jackson in the past as well, was on punditry duty for the game. He said on DAZN (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
"Unbelievable. Stupid, stupid, stupid mistake. I don’t know what is going through his head. Your team needs you and you do that. He did that at Newcastle. Now he’s done this."
Some tough conversations need to be had about Jackson. He has always had a problem picking up unnecessary yellow cards. But instead of improving with experience, he is getting worse and is now getting sent off.
Chelsea have brought in Liam Delap this summer and he has a ton of potential. But they need a real, proven number 9 to power them to titles. Elite goalscorers like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres. That is what this team is missing right now.