NICOLAS JACKSON enjoyed a Thriller with a starring role in Chelsea’s rout of West Ham.
Striker Jacko celebrated his goals with a Michael Jackson-style dance as the Blues danced all over the abject Hammers.
The thumping win – Chelsea’s first since 2021 in East London – lifted them into second place in the Premier League table as the first top flight game of the weekend.
Even warring Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were smiling as they were pictured together for the first time since news emerged of a boardroom split.
The chairman and co-controlling owner are trying to remain on good terms as they try to buy each other out following a breakdown in their professional relationship.
On the pitch, Jackson’s imitation of his Pop idol namesake was a poor one.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
But there was nothing second rate about his finishes as West Ham were blown away before half time and condemned to a third successive home defeat under new boss Julen Lopetegui.
Jackson struck first after less than four minutes following a quick one-two with new signing Jadon Sancho on the left flank.
He then left West Ham’s defence for dead as he raced towards goal and planted a shot through the legs of keeper Alphonse Areola.
The £32 million forward made it two on 18 minutes when again he was given too much space by sluggish defending to race through and prod a shot into the bottom of the net.
Most read in Football
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
He now has four goals in two games against their hopeless London neighbours and while Chelsea are celebrating back-to-back away wins under new boss Enzo Maresca, things are looking grim for West Ham.
They have played five Premier League games and won only one, conceding eight goals in three matches on their own patch in the process.
This time last season they had ten points under unpopular boss David Moyes, compared to four this term.
And Lopetegui was forced to admit a tactical error in his gameplan by substituting midfielder Guido Rodriguez after only 37 minutes with his side under the cosh.
Even then Cole Palmer ended any hopes of a home side comeback following the reshuffle when he thumped in Chelsea’s third from a breakaway just three minutes into the second half.
Hammers keeper Areola had to make a one-handed save to stop the game becoming a rout with a one handed save from sub Chris Nkunku 15 minutes from time.
Former West Ham assistant manager Enzo Maresca, who worked under Manuel Pellegrini in 2018, could not have asked for a warmer welcome back to his old club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
