Chelsea leads 1-0 at Stamford Bridge!

We spent most of the first 10 minutes working out this new formation, but we scored a goal with our first significant attack of the game. Marc Cucurella ran to a Villa clearance and won it, putting his body on the line.

He then exchanged a one-two with Jadon Sancho while overlapping his teammate, showing exactly what we expected from that form. Cucurella got the ball back as he ran into the box and fired a cross to Nicolas Jackson, who attacked the near post.

Jackson is on fire right now and his finish crashed past the near post and beat Emi Martinez. His confidence is high and it shows. His form is excellent and the crowd loves him. The movement, the self-confidence, the goal – top work, Nico.

You can see the goal in the clips embedded here:

(Sky Sports footage)

(Recordings from NBC Sports)

(Recordings from NBC Sports)

Jackson’s progress continues to be astounding

Jackson’s development continues at a ridiculous pace. He didn’t have this kind of instinctive near-post run and finish a year ago – now he does.

This brings him to 34 goal involvements in 58 Chelsea games. 11 in 13 games this season. 18 G/A in his last 21 appearances. This is ridiculous.

He’s one of the most effective forwards in the league, both in terms of stats and eye test – and that’s not even taking into account his defensive work. The call to sign a top striker has quickly faded – in fact it probably won’t be long before the situation changes and we hear that Real Madrid want to sign Jackson.

This game is not won yet – we face a dangerous team and need a second goal. But it’s the perfect start and the confidence is high.