Nicolas Jackson is proving to be the perfect 9️⃣ for Chelsea 👏 | OneFootball

What a difference 12 months can make. This time last year, Nicolas Jackson was a near-Premier League punchline, but now he is proving to be one of the very best strikers in the division.

His opener against Newcastle has created some very interesting and impressive statistics.

Jackson was on hand in the 18th minute to fire past Nick Pope after some lovely work from Pedro Neto. The move, unsurprisingly at this point, saw a starring role from Cole Palmer, who picked out the Portuguese winger with a brilliant pass.

The goal was Jackson’s sixth in the league so far this season, and when coupled with his three assists, means he is averaging a goal contribution per game. Stretching further back, it is now 14 contributions (10 goals, four assists) in his last 14 games between this season and last.

Jackson’s 20th Premier League goal for the Blues also sees him go level with Fernando Torres, a player, who unlike the 23-year-old, never truly recovered from a poor start at Stamford Bridge.

He is quickly proving to be the no.9 Chelsea so badly needed.