Kai Haverts is struggling at Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
striker Nicolas Jackson has been compared to after the latest slip from the Blues in the . ’s side failed to win for the fifth successive game on Tuesday night, needing a late Reece James equaliser .
Jackson has scored nine times this season, but has now not found the net since his side’s last league win against Brentford on December 15.
The Ecuadorian did create ’s opening goal at Stamford Bridge, but then fired a chance over minutes later.
Another big opportunity fell his way before half-time, seeing a header saved by Mark Travers before putting the rebound into the side-netting. And now ex- midfielder Craig Burley has argued that Jackson is creating a problem for Maresca with his team now fourth in the table.
“There’s been more good than bad from Nicolas Jackson this season,” he told ESPN after the game. “Ultimately I think he’s a player, a bit like at , who would be good at coming off the bench or playing in cup games.
“But you need a top No.9 and then you have him on the side. He’s having a decent season but I’m sure will need to address that position among others.”
Nicolas Jackson missed chances against Bournemouth. (Image: Getty)
Havertz has come under severe criticism of late for his own barren run in front of goal. He missed a golden opportunity during ’s home defeat to , and then saw his effort in the penalty shootout saved as the Gunners were on Sunday.
He was widely perceived to have had the same problem during his stint at . Despite scoring the winner in the 2020 final, he left in a £65million move for the Emirates having scored just 32 goals in 139 club games.
have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel this January. And Burley argued that while Jackson has improved from last season, he was not the ‘new Didier Drogba’ and may need to be sold to make room for a proven goalscorer.
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“Maybe at one point they thought Christopher Nkunku was going to be that guy but that doesn’t look like the case,” he continued. “Maybe they’ll go out and address it again. Most of these teams challenging for titles have had someone up front who is different gravy, while Nicolas Jackson is just okay.”
The London club have thus far been indebted to Palmer for their goals this season, with the England international having struck 14 times in the . After Jackson, wonger Noni Madueke is their third top scorer with five goals.