Chelsea risk Nicolas Jackson worst case scenario after Aston Villa with Mauricio Pochettino issue

Back in the team and back in the goals, Nicolas Jackson picked up where he left off for Chelsea. Returning to the starting XI for the first time since December 30, Mauricio Pochettino was shown just what he had been missing in the past five weeks or so.

Jackson was once more given a slightly adjusted role in the Blues setup, coming in from the left rather than at centre forward, and even pressed from a left midfield spot in an out-of-possession 4-4-2 shape. Having failed to score for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations — he didn't start any of the four matches played by Aliou Cisse's side — he didn't take long to open his account for 2024 at club level.

The 22-year-old had been used as a substitute during the 4-2 loss against Wolves on Sunday -that came after a delayed flight back to England rules him out of the equally worrying 4-1 defeat to Liverpool just days earlier — but entered the fray with things in turmoil. On Wednesday against Aston Villa he made his first start in 40 days.

He didn't look rusty though, causing Matty Cash numerous problems on the right of Villa's defence. Jackson constantly took the direct route into the box and rushed to the byline as often as possible. After a positive start from his side it was Jackson that flicked in a crucial second goal after 20 minutes to cement Chelsea's authority on the game.

He was given 87 minutes in total before Christopher Nkunku came on for a brief cameo towards the end. Although much quieter in the second half, Jackson still managed to complete a total of four key passes from just 35 touches, scoring his only shot in the game.

For a player that has lacked any sign of being prolific, it was a true striker's goal, scored by someone that has been shifted back into his