Jason Cundy shares whether he thinks Chelsea should drop Nicolas Jackson for Tyrique George
Tyrique George was one of the stars in Chelsea’s comeback win over Fulham at the weekend, but Nicolas Jackson’s frustrating spell continued with another timid performance.
Chelsea kept themselves in the race for Champions League qualification with a vital 2-1 away win at rivals Fulham on Sunday.
As it stands, Enzo Maresca’s side are just a point outside the Premier League’s top five with five games remaining.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool |
33 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 75 | 31 | 44 | 79 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal |
33 | 18 | 12 | 3 | 61 | 27 | 34 | 66 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest |
33 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 60 |
| 4 |  NewcastleNewcastle |
33 | 18 | 5 | 10 | 62 | 44 | 18 | 59 |
| 5 |  Man CityManchester City |
33 | 17 | 7 | 9 | 64 | 42 | 22 | 58 |
| 6 |  ChelseaChelsea |
33 | 16 | 9 | 8 | 58 | 40 | 18 | 57 |
| 7 |  Aston VillaAston Villa |
33 | 16 | 9 | 8 | 53 | 47 | 6 | 57 |
Tyrique George, who’s a product of the Blues academy, scored his first Premier League goal to equalise late on against Fulham. Afterwards, teammate Pedro Neto fired in a crucial stoppage time winner.
Even though he’s a winger by trade, George has started to provide cover for the striker position in recent weeks. The 19-year-old rising star is certainly beginning to grow into a real option within the first-team squad.
Levi Colwill described George as “amazing” after the Chelsea youngster’s brilliant goal at Craven Cottage.
In contrast, Blues striker Nicolas Jackson, 23, hasn’t scored for the club since mid-December.
Jason Cundy wouldn’t start Tyrique George over Nicolas Jackson
According to Jason Cundy, Chelsea should stick with Jackson as the starting No 9 over George moving forward.
Cundy told talkSPORT: “I think right now him (George) off the bench feels like the right move… Putting him as a starter is very different from coming off the bench as a 19-year-old. He’s got his goal. Jackson needs to show more.”
When asked if Jackson should be dropped, Cundy responded: “No. I think off the bench is where George should be still.”
Alan Shearer praised George for an “instinctive” finish with his goal away to Fulham.
Of course, George is still a raw talent finding his way in senior football. The teenage attacker does inject an extra spark and urgency when he’s on the football pitch, though.
As for Jackson, he desperately needs a goal of some description to lift his confidence. His form in the Premier League in April since returning from a hamstring injury has been extremely poor.
| Fixture | Minutes played | Goals | Assists | Total shots | Match rating |
| Fulham 1-2 Chelsea | 78 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6.5 |
| Chelsea 2-2 Ipswich Town | 87 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6.9 |
| Brentford 0-0 Chelsea | 45 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6.3 |
| Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham | 82 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6.4 |
It’s encouraging that Jackson loves playing for Chelsea because he’s a tireless worker, but he’s testing the patience of supporters with this goal drought.
Nicolas Jackson should be on thin ice
While there’s usually a lot to admire about Jackson’s overall game and contribution, it’s becoming increasingly more obvious that he’s not doing enough as a goalscorer.
Jackson’s record of nine goals in 27 Premier League games is modest.
When you look at competitors such as Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, they’ve got clinical centre-forwards leading the line. Alexander Isak and Chris Wood have scored 21 goals and 19 goals in the Premier League this season, respectively.
With a more clinical finisher, we feel Chelsea could be in a much stronger place to secure Champions League football for next season.
You can make a strong case for the Blues replacing Jackson in the starting XI next year, but can he change that with a strong end to this campaign?
from Latest Chelsea News and Updates - The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/g5AIQ9e
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