Chelsea have Nicolas Jackson to thank for their 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest.
With the score level at 2-2, Nicolas Jackson popped up in the 82nd minute with a header to secure all three points for Chelsea.
The striker was not the only player to make an impact for the Blues, though.
Cole Palmer had another good game, setting up his side’s opener, while Reece James also put in a strong performance, coming off the bench to assist Jackson’s winner.
It was the right-back’s first appearance since undergoing a hamstring operation.
Tony Cascarino impressed with Chelsea star’s contribution versus Nottingham Forest
Jackson will steal the headlines after scoring Chelsea’s winning goal.
However, Tony Cascarino has been quick to praise the Blues’ captain, claiming that his cross to Jackson was actually better than the 22-year-old’s match-winning contribution.
Speaking about James on talkSPORT (12/05/2024 at 06:50), the former Chelsea player said: “For his goal, I mean, that’s Reece James at his best. When he is in an attacking forward position, he can pick the ball out and he has a wonderful strike on him, but the pass for Jackson, the pass is actually better than the goal.
“Reece James is very important to Chelsea. They have got [Malo] Gusto, haven’t they, as well, who is a really good right-sider. He has done really well when he has been called upon, but Reece James is their number one, in my opinion.
“I think he is a much better defender now. When I first saw Reece, I used to think he was more like a winger playing as a full-back, but I think he has learned over the last few years that he is a lot more reliable defensively as well.”
Reece James’ stats versus Nottingham Forest
James was not on the pitch for too long, coming on in the 79th minute. Nevertheless, he was still able to make quite the impact.
According to WhoScored, he was able to make one tackle, win one aerial duel and record a pass success rate of 91%.
James’ most important contribution, though, was his cross to Jackson, which the Senegal international managed to head home.
Because of it, Chelsea now have a great chance of finishing in sixth and qualifying for next season’s Europa League.
Newcastle United currently hold the spot, but Mauricio Pochettino‘s men are now level on points with them, with goal difference being the only thing separating the two sides.