Paul Merson, veteran Premier League pundit, has sounded the alarm over Chelsea’s attacking struggles, arguing that the departure (or absence) of Nicolas Jackson has left Cole Palmer bereft of a key partner. According to Merson, Jackson not only benefitted from Palmer’s creativity — “Palmer makes Jackson” — but also, crucially, pushed Palmer to thrive in return. Without that dynamic, Chelsea’s forward play has become increasingly static.
Jackson has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, an absence that Merson believes has had a major impact. Prior to the injury, Jackson’s energetic runs stretched defenders, creating space for Palmer to exploit; now, with Jackson unavailable, Palmer has reportedly “no movement,” and oppositions are more comfortable crowding the midfield and closing down passing lanes. The former Arsenal star held that everything is now drawing in — Palmer dropping deeper to find the ball, Nkunku joining short, and the pitch shrinking.
Chelsea’s results have reflected this shift. In recent Premier League fixtures, the Blues have dropped points and failed to gain traction in matches where they looked promising earlier in the season. Their loss to Brighton stood out, where Chelsea were outclassed in attacking transitions and lacked the incisive openings that Jackson’s forward movement once brought.
Merson also emphasized that even with players like Christopher Nkunku stepping in up front, the configuration has not replicated what Palmer and Jackson offered together. Defenders are no longer stretched, space is at a premium, and Palmer has had to adjust his game — with obvious cost to his rhythm and output.
Looking ahead, Chelsea face a test of depth. Recovering form will depend on either Jackson’s return or a tactical reshuffle: more off-the-ball runners, sharper positional rotation, or finding a striker who can replicate Jackson’s movement. If Palmer is to regain momentum, he will need service not just in space but ones born from forwards doing the dirty work off the ball. It’s a fine balance — and one Merson believes Chelsea have lost for now.
Africa Digital News, New York
