Nicolas Jackson led Chelsea to a commanding 3-0 win against West Ham, scoring a decisive double at the London Stadium on Saturday and justifying manager Enzo Maresca’s confidence in him.
Jackson opened the scoring with two goals in the first half, before Cole Palmer sealed Chelsea’s third win in five Premier League matches under Maresca’s management. The striker, preferred by Maresca despite Christopher Nkunku’s recent match-winning performance against Bournemouth, demonstrated his value following a contract extension earlier in September that keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
Despite a mixed debut season where he netted 17 goals but missed numerous opportunities, the 23-year-old has started the current season strongly, tallying four goals in six matches across all competitions.
Chelsea has been impressive away from home, winning all three of their league games this season, with only one loss to reigning champions Manchester City in five top-flight encounters. Maresca, who succeeded Mauricio Pochettino in the off-season, is beginning to make a positive impact, particularly after the club’s disappointing sixth and twelfth place finishes in the past two seasons.
In contrast, West Ham’s dismal start has put pressure on new manager Julen Lopetegui, with the former Spain and Real Madrid boss facing jeers from frustrated fans who left before the final whistle. The Hammers have secured just one victory in five league outings, marking their worst home start to a campaign.
Chelsea quickly asserted their dominance, scoring just four minutes into the match when West Ham failed to properly defend a free-kick. Jackson capitalised on a pass from Jadon Sancho, driving down the right flank, cutting into the area, and finishing with ease past Alphonse Areola.
This marked Chelsea’s earliest goal in a London derby since Daniel Sturridge netted against QPR in 2012. Jackson continued to trouble the West Ham defence, setting up Palmer for a strike that narrowly missed the target.
Chelsea’s pressure culminated in a second goal in the 18th minute, as Moises Caicedo’s precise pass found Jackson, who calmly guided the ball past Areola.
West Ham struggled to find their rhythm, with Jarrod Bowen misfiring from a promising position. Crysencio Summerville, making his first league start after joining from Leeds, pleaded for a penalty after being fouled by Wesley Fofana, but VAR dismissed his claims.
Lopetegui’s frustration grew, leading him to substitute Argentina midfielder Guido Rodríguez before the half-time break. However, replacement Thomas Soucek failed to improve the situation, shooting directly at Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez.
Sancho, rejuvenated after his loan from Manchester United, caused problems with his agile dribbling, while Palmer effectively sealed West Ham’s fate in the 47th minute, finishing Jackson’s pass from a tight angle.