It is fair to say that Enzo Maresca was left feeling pretty annoyed following Nicolas Jackson’s red card in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Jackson was sent off in the first half following an elbow on Sven Botman, with Chelsea already 1-0 down.
The Blues tried to fight back in the second half and had chances, but they could not convert before Bruno Guimaraes’ deflected effort in the 90th minute sealed the game.
Romeo Lavia played poorly in the first half after impressing against Liverpool last weekend, but Jackson will be the talking point after his red card.
Enzo Maresca ignores Nicolas Jackson after Chelsea sending off
Maresca has his favourites at Chelsea, but Jackson will not be in his good books right now following his dismissal at St James’ Park.
According to journalist Simon Johnson, the Chelsea head coach did not even acknowledge the striker as he headed down the tunnel.
You cannot blame Maresca for being frustrated, as there is so much at stake right now. It is so tight at the top in the race for Champions League qualification, and Jackson has now handed his side a major blow.
Blues supporters will now be even more desperate for the club to sign a new centre-forward this summer.
Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha is a target for Chelsea, so the 22-year-old is one striker who could arrive at Stamford Bridge.
What former players are saying about Nicolas Jackson’s red card
Even the most biased Chelsea fan will accept that Jackson should have been sent off after his reckless moment.
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton and ex-Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison definitely think the Senegal international should have been dismissed.
Covering the game for Sky Sports, Ashton said: “It is clear. He caught him square in the face. It is a terrible challenge. He looked across and caught him flush in the face. It is mindless. He has forced his arm into Botman.
Also speaking on Sky Sports, Morrison then added: “He has let his team down in this game and for the rest of the season. He has completely lost his head.”
Jackson will now miss what is left of Chelsea’s Premier League campaign, showing just how daft he was to have gone in with his elbow like that.
Maresca’s men take on Manchester United in their penultimate game of the season before facing top-five rivals Nottingham Forest.
