Jackson strikes again: Five things we learned from Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson scored his seventh league goal of the season as Chelsea dispatched a struggling Leicester City 2-1.

Enzo Maresca’s side were dominant from the first minute, with goals either side of halftime from Jackson and Enzo Fernandez securing another win for the west Londoners.

Substitute Jordan Ayew pulled one back late on through a stoppable time penalty but the damage was already done.

Chelsea remain third but close the gap to leaders Liverpool to five points, whilst Leicester remain three points above the relegation zone in 16th place.

Here are five things we learnt from the match…

Nicolas Jackson scores again

Nicolas Jackson continues to show his class under Enzo Maresca this season. The Senegalese international has been in impressive former this campaign and he continued that with a fine opener for Chelsea. After a melee for the ball between a couple players, Jackson produced a lovely flick over the boot of Caleb Okloi before poking the ball into the bottom corner to give Maresca’s side the lead. A classy finish from an ever improving player.

El Khannouss impresses in poor Leicester performance

Whilst Leicester’s overall performance against Chelsea was disappointing to say the least, one of their summer recruits showed Foxes fans there is hope for their side after all. Bilal El Khannouss, a £17 million signing from Belgian outfit Genk, was the shining light for the hosts with his skilful dribbling and directness. Were it not for the lack of movement from his teammates when presented an opportunity to counterattack, then the Moroccan’s performance would probably receive more plaudits.

Sloppy Chelsea grind out win

This Chelsea attacking performance was a mixed bag. In the first 30 minutes, the Blues look unstoppable going forward, especially after Jackson’s opener early in the first half, but Maresca’s side could not finish off their plethora of chances. The crowning moment on a topsy turvy attacking display was in the 55th minute, where Cole Palmer’s goal bound shot was inherently blocked off the line by Noni Madueke, his own teammate. Fortunately for the Blues after countless tries, Enzo Fernandez headed in to seal the win in the 75th minute.

Leicester in trouble after another defeat

Up until now, Leicester’s return to the Premier League has been nothing but a struggle. With manager Enzo Maresca and captain Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall both departing in the summer for Chelsea, it was already looking like a long season for the Foxes. When Maresca’s new side rolled into town, the gulf in quality was evident, with Steve Cooper’s side passive at the back and sloppy in attack. They struggled to deal with the pressing intent from the visitors and another defeat in the books will not help their survival hopes.

Chelsea project finally appears to be working

After almost three years and over £2 billion of spending, Chelsea might have finally cracked the code for their project under Clearlake Capital. After having the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the Todd Boehly fronted project appear to have found the right manager with Enzo Maresca. The Italian has led the latest squad rebuild but unlike his predecessors, have got the west Londoners playing attractive, penetrative football.