Jackson silencing doubters - but can Chelsea maintain form?

It's remarkable to think that, just six months ago, there was talk that Chelsea were attempting a cash plus Nicolas Jackson swap deal for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

No deal materialised and, although Isak remains impactful on Tyneside, Chelsea have their own star in 23-year-old Jackson, who was the driving force behind the 2-1 victory at Leicester City.

The Senegal forward opened the scoring in the 15th minute and set up in Enzo Fernandez's second-half goal.

Last season, despite Jackson scoring 17 goals in 44 games - more than legendary Didier Drogba in his maiden season at the club - there was talk that Chelsea needed to sign a striker to compete at the highest level.

"Somebody will have to tell me what Nicolas Jackson does," said ESPN pundit Craig Burley about Jackson. "He's clearly not good enough to play as a headline striker in the Premier League."

Jackson wasted a lot of chances and had a poor disciplinary record in his first season, but he is now repaying the faith and the conversation has changed.

Former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, speaking on the BBC's Planet Football podcast, placed Jackson alongside Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and Isak in his top four strikers in the league.

On TNT Sport's coverage of the early kick-off, Joe Cole said Jackson is "at the height of his game".

Jackson is now growing into a striker capable of becoming a match winner when talisman Cole Palmer has an off day, as he did at Leicester after suffering a heavy early challenge from Wilfred Ndidi.

His goal against Leicester had a touch of Drogba to it as he outbattled defender Wout Faes before a nice touch and finish opened the scoring.

Jackson's relentless work-rate helped Chelsea win possession high up the pitch through his pressing, creating a chance that was squandered for Noni Madueke and one that was taken by Fernandez.

But the biggest difference for Jackson is consistency in recent months.

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