In a disappointing start to Enzo Maresca's tenure as Chelsea manager, the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Premier League champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. The match saw Chelsea struggle to convert their chances, with former midfielder John Obi Mikel particularly vocal about the performance of striker Nicolas Jackson.

Despite a promising start, Chelsea was unable to find the back of the net, with Jackson's performance drawing criticism for his missed opportunities. The Senegalese forward was substituted in the 67th minute, replaced by 18-year-old Marc Guiu, as the team sought to change their fortunes. Mikel, now an analyst for beIN Sports, expressed his concerns regarding Jackson's ability to finish, stating, “You need to have a striker who knows how to hit a ball in the back of the net and that’s what we don’t have.”

Mikel emphasized that his critique was not intended to disrespect Jackson but rather to highlight a pressing issue within the team. The match featured goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic, further underscoring Chelsea's inability to capitalize on their chances. As the club navigates this challenging phase, Mikel's comments reflect a broader concern regarding the team's offensive capabilities moving forward.