Jackson's brace leads Chelsea to victory at pathetic West Ham

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Nicolas Jackson fired Chelsea to a 3-0 win over West Ham and the Senegalese striker rewarded his manager's faith with a crucial brace at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Jackson scored twice in the first half before Cole Palmer completed Chelsea's third win in five Premier League games under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

It was a timely brace from Jackson, who had been Chelsea's first-choice striker for Maresca on Friday, despite Christopher Nkunku's game-winning influence against Bournemouth last weekend.

Although Jackson signed a contract extension in early September that keeps the Senegalese star at Stamford Bridge until 2033, there have been calls for Nkunku to be in the starting line-up after the French striker scored as a substitute in the 1-0 win at Bournemouth.

Jackson scored 17 goals and missed numerous great chances in his mixed debut season with the Blues.

But the 23-year-old has been in top form at the start of this season, having already scored four goals in six games in all competitions.

“We are 100 percent happy with Nicolas. He has worked hard since I've been here and is very good on the ball in terms of numbers,” said Maresca.

Chelsea have won all three of their away games in the league this season and have lost just once of their five top-flight games, against champions Manchester City.

Despite an alleged behind-the-scenes power struggle between Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, former Leicester boss Maresca, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino during the off-season, has made a strong first impression.

After disappointing finishes of sixth and 12th in the last two seasons, there are encouraging signs that the Italian could be the manager who can transform Chelsea's expensively assembled squad of underachievers into a top-four contender.

“The points are important, but right now the most important thing is how we move forward,” said Maresca.

“We are on the right track, but we can do a lot better. It's a process and we are learning.”

The Hammers' dismal start to the season has already put new head coach Julen Lopetegui under pressure. The former Spanish national team and Real Madrid boss was booed by the few frustrated fans who failed to leave the stadium in time for the final whistle.

West Ham have won just one of their five Premier League games this season and have lost three consecutive home games at the start of a new league season.

“It's definitely a bad day,” Lopetegui said. “There is no excuse. We have to be honest and know that we have to improve.”

Chelsea got off to a brilliant start after just four minutes when West Ham switched off on a free kick and Jackson took Jadon Sancho's pass and stormed forward down the right flank.

Jackson entered the penalty area and easily denied Alphonse Areola's weak save attempt.

Jackson was unstoppable for West Ham and set up a low shot from Cole Palmer which went just wide.

Chelsea applied relentless pressure and their second goal in the 18th minute was almost inevitable.

At the climax of a fluid moment of play, Moises Caicedo played a clever pass that broke through the West Ham defence and allowed Jackson to guide a calm finish past Areola.

In his first league appearance for West Ham since joining from Leeds during the season break, Crysencio Summerville appealed for a penalty after Wesley Fofana brought him down with a tug, but the video referee rejected the striker's appeal.

Lopetegui was furious at West Ham's lethargy and reacted by taking off Argentine midfielder Guido Rodríguez before half-time.

But Rodriguez's replacement Thomas Soucek improved Lopetegui's mood considerably when he took a lavish shot straight at Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Sancho looked revitalised after his loan from Manchester United, but caused problems with his quick dribbling in his first Premier League appearance since May 2023.

Palmer put an end to West Ham's chances in the 47th minute when the English striker took a pass from Jackson and fired past Areola from a tight angle.