Following Nicolas Jackson’s performance in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City, Frank Lampard stated that Jackson wasn’t up to Chelsea’s standards.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side missed out on reaching the final next month after failing to capitalize on numerous chances against City at Wembley, leaving them questioning their decision-making.
Jackson missed three clear opportunities for Chelsea, including a second-half header that he directed straight at City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Alan Shearer labeled Jackson’s display as “a poor day at the office” during BBC’s post-match analysis.
Chelsea’s season has been consistent in this regard. Before the game, Pochettino believed the team should be competing around fourth place in the Premier League, pointing to xG as the justification.
“Jackson had three clear chances, including two one-on-ones, but he seemed uneasy. He made the wrong choices and some clever runs.
“They were absolute sitters,” he said. Jackson had three great chances, but he failed to get a good shot off.
While Lampard empathized with Jackson, he felt the 22-year-old didn’t perform at the level Chelsea expects from their key striker.
“I do feel a bit sorry for him because he’s a young striker and he made some good movements today, beating Kyle Walker for pace.
He showed good movement and speed, but there’s a technical detail, the extra touch, and decision-making at the highest level that make the difference in these types of games,” Lampard commented.
“If he heads the ball anywhere but at the goalkeeper’s body, it’s a goal. It’s a crucial moment in the game, and I feel for him because we’ve all been there and missed chances like that.
“But to be a striker for Chelsea, you need to perform at that level, even as a young player.”
