“Love him” – Nicolas Jackson expresses happiness of playing alongside Chelsea teammate
Nicolas Jackson has expressed his happiness after playing alongside Raheem Sterling in Chelsea's 3-0 win against Luton Town in the Premier League on Saturday (August 25).
The Blues came into the game after a 1-1 draw against Liverpool and a 3-1 loss against West Ham United. They got their season up and running at Stamford Bridge after a convincing win against newly promoted Luton, with Sterling grabbing a brace.
The English winger was comfortably Chelsea's best player on the day and was awarded the Player of the Match award for his efforts. He also helped set up Jackson's goal in the 75th minute with a brilliant low cross to seal the convincing win.
It was the Senegal international's first competitive goal since switching arriving ata Stamford Bridge from Villarreal this summer. He told Chelsea's X account (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
"What a cross from Raheem, love him. Amazing feeling to score at the Bridge in front of the fans. I hope more to come."
Sterling, 28, is one of the elder statesmen in a young Blues squad this season. He will hope to help them return to the top four after a horrid 2022-23 campaign, where they finished a lowly 12th in the league.
After Armando Broja and Christopher Nkunku's injuries, Jackson is the only match-fit striking option at new boss Mauricio Pochettino's disposal. Romelu Lukaku is, on paper, available for selection, but it seems like his future lies away from Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino lauds Chelsea's Raheem Sterling after superb performance against Luton Town
Raheem Sterling was a man on a mission for Chelsea against Luton on Friday. He ended the game with five shots and created two goal-scoring chances (h/t FotMob).
Sterling's run for the first goal was reminiscent of his Manchester City days, where he was a constant threat because of his shooting and dribbling skills. He moved to Stamford Bridge last summer for €56.2 million but struggled in his first season in west London.
He ended the campaign with nine goals and four assists in 38 games across competitions. After the win against the Hatters, Pochettino praised his star forward (via the National News):
"His commitment in the way he wants to contribute with the team, with his work ethic and quality, he deserves the full credit for his performance. I'm so pleased for him.
"He told me last season was a difficult season for him, but I am very pleased when the player is happy."
Before the win against Luton, Sterling did not manage a goal contribution in his team's opening two league games.