Nicolas Jackson has admitted that he feels disappointed with his goals return for Chelsea this season.
Jackson has scored 13 times for the Blues in 39 appearances in all competitions following a summer move from Villarreal. With Christopher Nkunku injured for much of the campaign, Jackson has been Mauricio Pochettino 's leading man up-front.
But the Senegal international has struggled to live up to the task, with Cole Palmer instead top of the Chelsea scoring charts. While Palmer has scored 20 Premier League goals, Jackson has managed just half that number and has a paltry conversion rate of 15.6 per cent.
The 22-year-old has become a firebrand for the frustrations of Chelsea fans amid their disappointing season. The striker is refusing to shy away from that disappointment but insisted that he will improve next season.
"I think I should have scored more with the chances I missed. It’s good, but not what I wanted to be when I came - to play Champions League next season," Jackson told Sky Sports ahead of Thursday's clash with Tottenham.
"Everything happens for a reason and we try to fight next year. Even if I scored 10 or 15, the most important thing is for the team to be as high as possible and make the fans happy. Then the goals will come.
"Trying to improve every day. The most important [thing] is being available for the team, helping the team and playing. I miss a lot but I’m trying to create more chances and score more. Hopefully next year it’s going to be better."
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Jackson is set to play a key role against Spurs, having started Chelsea's last 10 Premier League games. He has scored just three goals in that period, though did notch a hat-trick against Tottenham in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
The young star drew a blank again in the draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, which left the Blues ninth in the top-flight. But Arsenal legend Ian Wright has seen enough to be convinced that Jackson will soon prove his worth.
"I’m seeing Nicolas Jackson by the way… I’ve got to mention him. I watched him fully again [during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa]," the Gunners icon told the Wrighty's House podcast.
"I have watched him in the last three or four games and the chances that he has missed always take precedent when people are talking about him, but I am seeing that guy’s pace, his link, his touch. Something is happening there.
"If he gets that goalscoring right there is something in there, I’m telling you. He did some brilliant stuff against Villa. I hope it can happen for him. I have seen flashes and if he has the energy and the personality for it, this guy has got something. I am telling you."
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