Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca makes feelings clear about Nicolas Jackson missing chances in 1-1 draw vs Crystal Palace

Boss Enzo Maresca has addressed striker Nicolas Jackson’s profligacy in front of goal following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday (January 4). The manager rallied behind Jackson, emphasising his belief in the player’s abilities despite a frustrating afternoon at Selhurst Park.

The Blues squandered a plethora of goalscoring opportunities, most by the 23-year-old Jackson. It came back to haunt them, as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 82-minute equaliser forced a share of the spoils. Fans took to social media to berate Jackson for his insipid display in front of goal.

Maresca, though, didn't throw the striker under the bus but noted out the player’s ability to get into positions (via Football London);

''For a striker, sometimes they score all their chances, sometimes they don't score. He had two or three clear chances today, so that means he is there and ready. Hopefully, next time, he can be more lucky.’’

Chelsea had opportunities to put the game to bed in the first 45 minutes, but Jackson’s missed chances proved decisive. One of his missed opportunities came in the ninth minute when Cole Palmer had given him a pass on goal, but Jackson was denied by Chris Richards.

He also failed to bury a chance in the 19th minute, and he side-footed his effort in the 38th minute after being picked out by Palmer. The draw leaves Chelsea rooted in fourth place in the Premier League standings.

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Enzo Maresca says Chelsea need to take their chances in Crystal Palace draw

While Maresca commended his side’s performance at Palace, he urged his players to be more prolific in front of goal. Apart from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo also squandered chances.

The Italian said:

''The important thing is to create chances because that means we are doing the right things, but then you need to take those chances. We try to be even more intense during the week when we are preparing the game even if the intensity or intention is already top.

"It's something we need to improve even if we are one of the best teams at the moment in terms of scoring goals.’’

Chelsea will next be in action against League Two side Morecambe in their FA Cup opener on Saturday (January 11).