Chelsea legend criticises Nicolas Jackson for turning down chance to take West Ham penalty

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was not happy with Arsenal’s players (Photo: Getty)

Former Chelsea Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink revealed he was concerned by Nicolas Jackson’s reluctance to take a crucial penalty during last Sunday’s surprise defeat at West Ham.

The summer signing from Villarreal impressed during pre-season while his relentless work rate and physical power has caught the during the first two competitive games of Chelsea’s campaign.

With fellow new recruit Christopher Nkunku out of action until the New Year, however, the goalscoring burden has centered squarely on Jackson’s young shoulders.

The Senegal international missed a glorious opportunity against Liverpool on the opening weekend and again failed to the find the back of the net against the Hammers.

Having been a ruthless striker who won the Premier League Golden Boot during his heyday, Hasselbaink was disappointed to see Jackson spurn the opportunity to open his account from the spot and allow Enzo Fernandez the chance to give Chelsea the lead.

The Argentina World Cup winner saw his effort saved and it proved to be a decisive moment that helped swing the momentum of the match back in West Ham’s favour.

‘Nkunku being out [means] there’s a lot of creativity missing for the strikers,’ Hasselbaink told talkSPORT.

‘Also now Chukwuemeka being out [means] there’s a lot of creativity [missing and] hopefully his injury is not that bad.

‘I would have loved to have seen Jackson take the penalty [against West Ham] to be honest because if he scores, that would give him a little bit of confidence and he would be off the mark.’

Hasselbaink added: ‘I’ve liked what I’ve seen. He led the line really well against Liverpool, he was a handful against West Ham.

‘He just needs a little bit of help, but that also just takes time to get to know your teammates and for your teammates to know you.

‘The Premier League is not an easy league. It’s the hardest league [and] it’s the best league. He’ll be fine.’

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‘If he scores, that would give him a little bit of confidence.’