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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca defended Nicolas Jackson amid his goal drought.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has defended Nicolas Jackson's goalscoring tally, stating that the Senegalese forward does not enjoy the same privileges as other strikers.
The 23-year-old has a brilliant start to the season, which helped him amass nine league goals. However, he has since lost steam and has failed to score in the last four matches.
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Jackson's drought has coincided with a run of poor results for Chelsea; hence, he has been subjected to criticism. However, for the Blues Italian gaffer, the former Villarreal man has been satisfactory.
What Maresca said
The former Leicester boss was asked about Jackson's goalscoring tally and if he had any words for him. Maresca assured that he was satisfied with the Senegal international’s output and only wants him to continue in the same vein.
Defending his numbers, Maresca explained that Palmer’s presence prevents Jackson from scoring extra via penalties, a privilege forwards like Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah enjoy at their club sides.
“He scored many goals at the beginning of the season; now there are games he's not scoring,” Maresca said.
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“We are completely happy, we don’t judge Nicolas because of his goals but different kinds of things. Last year he scored 14, 15 goals in the league without penalties—Haaland, Salah, Palmer take penalties.
"If you score 14 or 15 in the Premier League and add penalties, that’s a 20-goal striker. This year he scored nine or 10, with penalties that’s 13, 14.
“He’s doing well. Most of the nines shoot penalties so we are completely happy. For sure he’s going to score goals. In all the games he hasn’t scored, he’s had great chances but sometimes you don’t score."
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