“In the dressing room” – Nicolas Jackson finally reveals why he’s trying to take Cole Palmer penalty during Everton clash
On Monday, during Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over Everton, Nicolas Jackson got into a brawl on the field regarding an apparent penalty.
Jackson tried to steal the ball from Noni Madueke because he was eager to take the spot kick after scoring against the Toffees. Conor Gallagher, the captain of Chelsea, was eventually obliged to step in, and veteran penalty taker Cole Palmer scored from the spot.
And according to a report from the Telegraph, Jackson wanted the penalty because he has set himself the target of ending the season with 15 Premier League goals. The 22-year-old has already scored 10 and has five games left to hit his target.
The report adds that Jackson ‘feels that 20 in all competitions may even be achievable’, with Jackson currently on 13 and Chelsea set to take on Manchester City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was furious with the incident and Jackson is said to have ‘taken on board’ his warning that they must not “behave in this way” again. Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Pochettino said: “It is a shame.
“I was telling the players when we arrived from the pitch. We had a meeting with all the staff also and we explained and were talking. For me it is a shame because we cannot behave in this way and I can only apologise.
“I told them that this is the last time that I accept this type of behaviour. Next time those involved in a situation like this are all out. This is not a joke.
“It’s impossible after a performance like this to have this type of behaviour that shows that we are in a process and we will learn a lot. We are a great team fighting for big things. We need to change and think more in a collective way.
“It’s so clear and I made clear to them and through you, to the fans and to everyone that Cole Palmer is the taker, and then if Palmer wants to give it to another he can. But not in this way. It is a sad situation that happened and we have all agreed it cannot happen again.”