ONE of the strikers to look out for at the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February next year, Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson, was in brilliant form tonight as Chelsea defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the Premier League.
Jackson netted his first Chelsea hat-trick to inspire the Blues past Spurs, who were reduced to nine men on a chaotic night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The hosts took an early lead and were only denied a second goal by a very close offside call before they disintegrated and Chelsea took full advantage.
Dejan Kulusevski’s deflected strike put Spurs in front after just six minutes and Heung-min Son scored on the breakaway moments later, only for the offside flag to go up. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) then reviewed the goal for a few minutes before the offside decision was upheld.
It was then Chelsea’s turn to have two goals by Raheem Sterling and Moises Caicedo chalked off for offside after VAR reviews, but it was not long before they equalised.
VAR was involved again as Christian Romero was sent off for a dangerous challenge and a penalty was awarded to Chelsea after another review.
Cole Palmer converted the spot kick in the 35th minute and the sides went into the half-time break level.
Tottenham made matters worse for themselves 10 minutes into the second half when young full-back Destiny Udogie, the Italy international with Nigerian heritage, was sent off for a second booking.
Spurs held on with nine men for 20 minutes before Chelsea finally breached their high line.
Jackson stroked home from Sterling’s pass in the 75th minute and the Teranga Lions striker added two more in added time to complete his first hat-trick in England and hand Chelsea manager a big win on his return to his old club.
Tottenham were the last unbeaten team in the Premier League this season and they missed the opportunity to overtake Manchester City to rise to top of the table.
Ange Postecoglou’s side remain in the second spot, one point behind City, while Chelsea moved up to 10th, 12 points adrift.
Jackson, who has not scored for Senegal in four appearances, has netted five goals in 10 Premier League games for Chelsea.
