Chelsea’s issues in front of goal stem back several years now, which is why there’s a constant cry from the fanbase to sign a big-name striker.
The Blues have yet again lacked a clinical edge in the final third so far this campaign.
Unfortunately, Chelsea duo Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez both sit inside the Premier League’s top five worst finishers so far this season.
OptaJoe has recorded data on X of the Premier League’s biggest xG underperformers during the 2023/24 campaign.
Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has the biggest margin by scoring three goals from a 6.9 xG, leaving him with a huge -3.9 deficit.
Next, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez with a -3.7 deficit (8.7 xG, 5 goals).
Chelsea attacker Jackson is third in the league. He’s got a -3.6 gap (10.6 xG, 7 goals).
Everton’s Neal Maupay is fourth with -3.2 (5.2 xG, 2 goals).
Finally, Blues midfielder Fernandez is fifth with -2.8 (4.8 xG, 2 goals).
Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez underperforming in front of goal
Jackson’s scored eight goals across all competitions so far this season, but a simple eye test on him will tell you he’s missing a lot of chances to score.
The 22-year-old attacker is still having a decent first campaign in English football. In fact, he’s looked much better as a left-winger recently than as the central striker.
According to The Evening Standard recently, Chelsea staff believe Jackson has faced added pressure this season because the team has struggled to score goals.
As for Fernandez, 22, there’s not as much reliance on him to score. It would be great if the midfielder could chip in with more goals, though.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
