“I know I talk so much about him” - John Obi Mikel hits out at Chelsea star during Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Manchester City
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes the Blues need to sign a better striker after Nicolas Jackson struggled to impress in their 2-0 loss to Manchester City. He criticized the Senegal international for his performance in their Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18.
Enzo Maresca entrusted Jackson to lead the line against the Cityzens. The 23-year-old believed he had scored in the 44th minute after tapping home a rebound, however, his goal was ruled out for offside. He then missed a big chance in the 61st minute, volleying the ball straight at Ederson, despite being close to the goal.
Mikel told beIN Sports at half-time (via talkSPORT):
"We've played OK, we haven't played perfect, but we've played OK. We created chances, we haven't taken them. And just an example of how Jackson finishes."
He added:
"You can see there, even though he was offside, he dribble past one or two or three players and the way he shot the ball! You need a striker who knows how to hit a ball back in the back of the net and that's what we don't have."
"I know I talk so much about him and sometimes I sound like I disrespect him. I don't disrespect him. I think at Chelsea Football Club we need a top striker who can get us a goal. A bit like [Haaland], 91 goals [for City] that's absolutely unbelievable."
During his 67 minutes on the pitch, Jackson completed just 10 passes out of 14 with an accuracy of 71 percent. He also lost three duels and landed just one shot, missing the Blues' only big chance of the game.
Chelsea have been linked with Napoli forward Victor Osimhen this summer and may further push for a transfer amid Jackson's struggles.
Chelsea fall to 2-0 loss against Manchester City in Premier League opener
Enzo Maresca's reign as Chelsea manager started on a negative note as his side were outclassed in their 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday.
Erling Haaland gave the Cityzens the lead in the 18th minute with a good finish past Robert Sanchez after being played in by Bernardo Silva. Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net just before half-time but his effort was ruled out due to offside.
Rico Lewis also thought he had scored for City in the 65th minute, however, his goal was ruled out by VAR due to a foul by Haaland in the build-up. Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic came back to haunt his old club, making it 2-0 in the 84th minute with a powerful shot from 25 yards out.
The Blues next face Servette in the first leg of the Europa Conference League playoffs on Thursday, August 22.