I have seen it- Maresca exposes Jackson's secret talent after powerful first goal in 2025 for Chelsea

Chelsea secured a vital 1-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge, with Nicolas Jackson’s first-ever goal from outside the box proving the difference in a tense battle for a top-four Premier League finish. 

The Senegalese striker’s powerful strike just before the half-hour mark ended his goal drought and boosted Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League hopes, lifting them to fourth place with 60 points.

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Manager Enzo Maresca was full of praise for Jackson, revealing the 23-year-old’s long-range prowess is no fluke. 

“He may not have done it in the Premier League, but I’ve seen him do it loads in training, so I’m not surprised,” Maresca said post-match. “I’m really happy for him.”

The match saw Chelsea dominate early, with Noni Madueke and Marc Cucurella testing Everton’s resolute defence. 

The breakthrough came when Trevoh Chalobah won possession from Everton’s Beto, allowing Enzo Fernández to set up Jackson for a clinical finish from the edge of the box. 

Despite chances at both ends, Madueke and Fernández threatened for Chelsea, while Abdoulaye Doucouré squandered a golden opportunity for Everton—the Blues held firm.

After the break, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made several sharp saves to deny Madueke, while Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez stood tall, thwarting Beto and Idrissa Gueye. 

Late drama saw a second Jackson goal disallowed for offside, but Sánchez’s crucial stop against Dwight McNeil ensured Chelsea’s back-to-back wins. 

Everton, meanwhile, rued a second straight defeat after a strong 12-game run with just one prior loss.

The result strengthens Chelsea’s grip on a Champions League spot, with Jackson’s newfound scoring touch, honed in training, as Maresca revealed, potentially key to their top-four ambitions.