Nicolas Jackson paid tribute to his namesake music legend as the Chelsea striker was the star of the show in a 3-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Blues dominated West Ham from the start of the opening day of the Premier League, with Enzo Maresca’s side claiming their third win in four games and firmly entrenched in the top three of the table at the start of the season.
Jackson was the man in Chelsea’s attack, scoring two goals and assisting one, contributing to all three of the team’s goals that day. His first goal came in the fourth minute, as he cut through the West Ham backline and scored too easily from a tight angle past Alphonse Areola.
He scored twice in less than 20 minutes as he charged towards goal, latching onto a superb through ball from Moises Caicedo for an easy finish.
Jackson wasted no time in making his mark early in the second half as he assisted Cole Palmer in the 47th minute for Chelsea’s third goal.
After the opening goal, Jackson was spotted performing the famous dance from the music video for Michael Jackson’s song ‘Thriller’. The well-known pop culture reference was pretty obvious to viewers at the time, but the Chelsea forward was careful to confirm the tribute after the game.
“I saw the opportunity to run behind them and then I gave the ball to Jadon. [Sancho]he made it so I needed to score as early as possible to control the game,” Jackson said of the goal.
“I did it to remember the legend [Michael] Jackson. I dreamed that, and I dreamed it two days ago.” He then posted a photo of his celebration on Instagram supported by the song itself.
“Everyone at Chelsea knows what he’s capable of” ?
Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson reflect on their team’s impressive 3-0 performance against West Ham ?
?️ @julesbreach
? @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/dcn78O9dXJ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 21, 2024
Enzo Maresca said after the game that while he didn’t see Jackson’s celebration, he hoped the star forward “could dance more” as the season progresses.
Jackson has started the season strongly, with four goals and two assists in five Premier League games already.
