Joe Cole has lavished praise of Chelsea’s front three by comparing them to Liverpool’s world-beating trio Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Chelsea produced an impressive performance to batter West Ham 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Nicolas Jackson had them 2-0 up by half-time by keeping his cool to finish two one-on-one opportunities against Alphonse Areola.
Cole Palmer then found the back of the net via the inside of the post from Jackson’s pass to put the game out of sight for West Ham, who were booed by their own fans. Jackson started up front alongside Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho, with Palmer in support before Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku came off the bench.
Former Chelsea winger Cole was very impressed with what he saw from Chelsea – and in particular what they did going forward. "They look like they have a clear way of playing, they look like a happy team,” he said on TNT Sports.
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“The counter-attacking was exceptional, there were glimpses which reminded me of the Liverpool side with Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Firmino. Finally things are starting to turn and Chelsea fans can be quietly optimistic."
He added: "Chelsea were dominant, strong, positive, all the things Chelsea fans having been longing to say about their team. West Ham couldn't lay a glove on them. It was a real strong showing all over the park. This could be the first time we have seen a real glimpse of what this new Chelsea is capable of.
"That is what the Chelsea fans want to see. From start to finish every player played their part. They look like a club moving in the right direction. I haven't seen Chelsea fans as happy as that for a long, long time.”
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Jackson was the undoubted star, picking up two goals and an assist by showing the sort of composure in front of goal that was lacking at times during his debut campaign. The Senegal forward exploited the Hammers’ high line and lack of pace and Cole thinks he is on an upward trajectory.
"I think Enzo Maresca saw they could break past West Ham and Nicolas Jackson is fantastic at that. It's what he does,” he said. "[He has] good numbers. He is a young man, a young player, he's learning his trade. People talked about Didier Drogba's first two seasons when he wasn't as prolific as he later became. Nevertheless, he has scored the goals and he will get better.
"He needs to just keep improving, be a bit more composed and [gain] more confidence. He will bounce into the next game now. I am very, very pleased for him."
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