Nicolas Jackson celebrates after opening the scoring against Newscastle.
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has hit a remarkable milestone, equaling Fernando Torres’ Premier League goal tally for the club, but in record time.
In Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Newcastle, Jackson scored his 20th top-flight goal, reaching the number in just 44 appearances—a staggering 66 games fewer than it took Torres, who achieved the mark in 110 matches.
Jackson’s goal came courtesy of a quick counterattack, with teammate Cole Palmer setting up Pedro Neto, who fed Jackson in perfect position.
The Senegalese striker completed the move with a powerful shot past Newcastle’s Nick Pope, putting the Blues ahead. Though Alexander Isak later equalized, Chelsea regained the lead through Palmer’s second-half winner, sealing the crucial victory.
This latest goal also marks Jackson’s sixth of the season in all competitions, adding to an impressive haul that includes three assists. Last season, he ended with a total of 17 goals across all competitions, but he seems set to surpass that in his second year with the Blues.
Jackson’s journey has not been without challenges. His first season was met with mixed reactions from Chelsea fans, with some questioning his finishing ability.
However, his increased efficiency and his growing influence on the pitch are promising signs that he could become a mainstay in Chelsea’s attack, easing concerns over the club’s frontline options.
For Chelsea supporters, Jackson’s rapid achievement naturally invites comparisons to Torres, who joined Chelsea in 2011 in a high-profile £50 million move from Liverpool.
While Torres struggled to replicate his goal-scoring prowess from his Liverpool days, he won key trophies, including the Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup, cementing his place in Chelsea folklore.
With his early-season form and impressive scoring record, Jackson is on course to create his own legacy at Stamford Bridge.
Matching Torres’ goal tally in a fraction of the time sets a high standard, but if Jackson can help Chelsea return to their trophy-winning ways, he could well become a new fan favorite.