Jadon Sancho goes joint-top of bizarre Chelsea list after just three games as he eyes first goal
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Jadon Sancho’s impressive start at Chelsea has already seen him equal one of their goal contribution tallies from two seasons ago.
The winger signed for the Blues on loan from Manchester United this summer and has already made a hugely positive impression.
Sancho assisted Cole Palmer for his historic fourth goal in Chelsea’s 4-2 win against Brighton on Saturday with a neat through ball.
It was his third assist in as many appearances for his new club and, despite it only being September, he has now equalled the efforts of those from the 2022/23 season.
Chelsea’s top assist suppliers for that Premier League campaign, in which they finished 12th, were Raheem Sterling and Hakim Ziyech.
Both players totalled three each, with the former doing so in 28 appearances and the latter across 18 matches.
Meanwhile, seven other players had two apiece and a further seven assisted just once, which is testament to Sancho’s instant impact at Chelsea.
The 24-year-old first fed the ball to Christopher Nkunku for his winner against Bournemouth before turning provider for Nicolas Jackson in their 3-0 victory at West Ham.
He and Jackson are level on three assists this season, with Palmer leading the way on four.
Sancho also won the penalty that Palmer scored against Brighton and saw a goal disallowed for offside, but is hopeful of netting his first soon.
“I thought I started off a bit slow [against Brighton] but I feel like I grew into the game,” he told Chelsea’s media team.
“I managed to win the penalty and I got the assist for Cole, so I'm happy to be able to contribute overall. I was just happy to play at Stamford Bridge for the first time as a Chelsea player.
“It was a great feeling and I really appreciated the reception I got from the fans. It was a great feeling [to get a standing ovation from the fans] and my family and friends were in the crowd for the game, so that made it extra special.
“I'm happy to have been able to assist for goals in recent games, I'm settling in well here and I just want to keep this momentum going and keep being able to assist my team-mates. Or even get a first goal, that would be nice!”
Sancho is just one of a number of Chelsea stars who have shone in a strong start to Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge.
Palmer and Nkunku are tied on six goals each across all competitions with Noni Madueke and Jackson close behind on four.
Chelsea have won four of their opening six Premier League matches as a result of their squad’s efforts and sit fourth in the table.
The Blues have scored 23 goals across nine matches and can add to their haul against Gent at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night in their opening match of the UEFA Conference League proper, live on talkSPORT 2.
