Chelsea, despite news of tension and friction in the Chelsea board room over partners trying to buy each other out and recruitment, the team is playing some excellent football and getting crucial results.
The Blues look revived under Enzo Maresca and have amassed 10 points out of a possible 12 since losing their opening Premier League fixture against Manchester City.
Despite scoring 17 goals in all competitions last season following his £32m move from Villarreal, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been criticized by Chelsea fans and pundits alike for his wastefulness in the final third.
The Senegalese international has responded to this criticism this season with brilliant performances and improved finishing, scoring four goals in five Premier League matches, including a brace in a Man of the Match performance against West Ham.
Legendary duo Gary Lineker and Alan Shear have praised Nicolas Jackson’s improvement in performance, including his finishing and movement on and off the ball.
England and Barcelona legend Gary Lineker said on the The Rest is Football podcast: “Another team who are perhaps surprising up a little bit because of the madness at the club is Chelsea.
“They got another good win at the weekend, Enzo Maresca is doing a good job, he’s got them playing the way he wants them to play.
“We’ve always seen something in Nicolas Jackson, his movement is excellent and he gets behind players. He’s stepping up now and seems to be improving his finishing.”
Alan Shearer, who is also excited by Jackson’s improvement and potential, responded to Gary Linekar, saying: “You’re right about Jackson, you know. There is something in there, there is no doubt.
“He is very raw but if he gets going which he seems to be doing and keeps working hard and learning, he will end up with a few goals for sure.”
In other news, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca denied claims that Mykhailo Mudryk’s struggles are down to a lack of confidence.
Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea for £ 89 million from Shakhtar Donetsk but is yet to hit full gear. Once touted as one of the world’s most exciting and talented young players is struggling for a minute at Chelsea.
The Ukrainian international has only played 56 minutes in the Premier League and has made only one start so far this season, against Swiss side Servette in the Uefa Conference League play-off clash.
Asked at a press conference if Mudryk is struggling due to lack of confidence, Enzo Maresca dismissed the claims, saying: “I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence. Misha is Misha.
“You have to accept the way he is. Hopefully he can get minutes and do better.”
Let’s see if Enzo Maresca will hand Mykhailo Mudryk his second start of the season against League Two side Barrow Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
