Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi did not take kindly to the performance of Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson in the club’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the 2024/2025 Premier League season.

Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic scored a goal each as Manchester City began their title defence on a strong note with a convincing performance against Chelsea.

In the game, Nicolas Jackson had a chance where he went past three Manchester City defenders before unleashing a tame shot into the arms of Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.

That particular play was singled out by Mikel Obi, who was on punditry duties for Bein Sports, as the summation of Chelsea’s problem.

The former Super Eagles midfielder observed that while Chelsea enjoyed some moments of possession, they lacked the firepower to kill off games.

He noted that Chelsea are a proper striker deficient and that until that is resolved, the club will continue to struggle.

Although he claimed that his criticism of Nicolas Jackson is not personal, the former Chelsea midfielder could not comprehend that his club has gone into the season with the Senegalese as their main striking option.

Mikel Obi believes that a striker in the mould of Erling Haaland will push Chelsea from a mid-table side to title challengers.

“We played okay, not perfect, but it was okay. Just look at how Jackson plays, even though he was offside he dribbled past two or three players and the way he shot the ball... You need a striker who knows how to hit the ball, which we don't have. Sometimes it feels like I'm disrespecting him, but I don't disrespect him. Chelsea needs a top striker that can get us goals,” he said.

The opening weekend of the 2024/2025 Premier League season produced some great results with all the big teams unsurprisingly winning their matches.

Manchester United, who kicked off the season on Friday, August 16, 2024, defeated Fulham 1-0. Arsenal thumped Wolves 2-0, and Arne Slot commenced his Liverpool career with a 2-0 win over returnees Ipswich Town.

For Ghanaian interest, Mohammed Kudus’ West Ham were at the receiving end of a 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa, Antoine Semenyo grabbed the equalizer for Bournemouth against Nottingham Forest, while Tariq Lamptey’s Brighton humiliated Everton with a 3-0 victory. Jordan Ayew's Crystal Palace managed to beat Brentford 2-1 on Sunday, August 18, 2024.