Nicolas Jackson's double ends Manchester City's 100% start as Aston Villa striker continues dream beginning
Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester City on Saturday, ending City's perfect start to the season. The 25-year-old Senegal international has now scored seven goals in 11 appearances for Villa since his summer move from Chelsea, including six in his last six games.
- Result: Aston Villa defeated Manchester City, with both of Villa's shots on target coming from Jackson's right foot and both ending up in the net.
- Jackson's start: Seven goals in 11 appearances for Villa; six in his last six games.
- Transfer fee: Joined Villa from Chelsea in the summer for a deal worth up to £65m.
- Context: Jackson was signed as a direct replacement for Ollie Watkins, who scored 91 Premier League goals for Villa before moving to Al-Hilal in August.
- What's at stake: Villa's Champions League campaign has begun with a 100% start, and Jackson is spearheading their recovery after a slow start to the Premier League season.
What was said
"The players, the manager, the team - everything is incredible."
"I'm very happy that I'm here and hopefully we can do amazing things together."
"I've liked him all season. I think he's key to Villa's success."
"I think he's an upgrade on Ollie Watkins, I really do."
"Ollie was magnificent for them, but this guy is more of a predator [in and around the penalty area]. Pace will always trouble top defenders and he's got it in abundance."
"I think having worked with the manager before at Villarreal, he's sort of fast-tracking his quick development."
"He looks like a really good piece of business right now."
"Emery is quite unique. A lot of coaches will focus on the tactical detail, but he's so intense with it."
"I remember from when I was here that his car is always at the training ground. I know people will say that's a natural thing and the life of a manager, but I would say it's an incredible amount of time."
"He loves to get the detail right. He never gets tired of trying to better people individually and that takes an incredible amount of work. So many players come here, improve and thrive."
"I knew him at Villarreal and he started playing the level he is now. I know his capacity to exploit his qualities and I know, as well, his humility."
"The mentality is coming through - how focused he is in life and professional career."
"It's not easy [to settle at a new club] but easier because of the coach and the players."
"It's an incredible dressing room with an incredible manager. I'm very happy to be here and hopefully I will score many goals."
Jackson's immediate impact has drawn praise from all corners. Keown's comparison to Watkins is particularly striking given Watkins' consistent scoring record at Villa Park. Emery's familiarity with Jackson from their time together at Villarreal is clearly paying dividends, with the striker crediting the coach and his new team-mates for helping him settle quickly.
Corsie's insight into Emery's work ethic adds context to Villa's ability to rejuvenate players. The Spaniard's relentless focus on individual improvement has created an environment where new signings like Jackson can thrive immediately.
The numbers
- Jackson at Chelsea: 24 goals in 65 Premier League appearances, averaging a goal every 210 minutes, with a shot conversion rate of 15%.
- Jackson at Villa: Four goals in seven Premier League games, averaging a goal every 138 minutes, with a shot conversion rate of 21%.
- Expected goals: Jackson is outperforming his expected goals tally by exactly two in his early weeks at Villa.
- Ollie Watkins' Villa record: 91 Premier League goals in 221 appearances, reaching double figures in each of his six seasons.
- Jackson's transfer fee: Worth up to £65m from Chelsea.
- Jackson's previous move: Chelsea signed him from Villarreal for £35m in 2023.
Deal details
Nicolas Jackson joined Aston Villa from Chelsea in the summer for a deal worth up to £65m. The transfer was completed as a direct replacement for Ollie Watkins, who moved to Al-Hilal in August. Jackson had spent two full seasons at Chelsea after joining in 2023 and had a year on loan at Bayern Munich before moving to Villa.
Why Jackson is already outperforming Watkins at Villa
Nicolas Jackson has made a flying start to his Aston Villa career, and the statistics suggest he is already an upgrade on Ollie Watkins. Jackson's shot conversion rate of 21% at Villa is significantly higher than the 15% he managed at Chelsea, and he is outperforming his expected goals tally by two. That clinical edge is exactly what Villa need as they recover from a slow start to the Premier League season.
Jackson's pace and predatory instinct in the box have drawn comparisons to Watkins, but Keown believes Jackson is more of a natural finisher. The striker's two-goal display against Manchester City, where both shots on target ended in the net, showcased his ability to deliver in big moments. With Unai Emery at the helm, Jackson's development is in safe hands.
Emery's history of improving players is well-documented, and Jackson's previous experience under the Spaniard at Villarreal has accelerated his adaptation. The striker's movement and link-up play have already made him a focal point of Villa's attack, and his Champions League goals have helped Villa to a 100% start in Europe. If Jackson maintains this form, his £65m fee could prove to be a bargain.
Talking points
- Is Nicolas Jackson already a better fit for Villa than Ollie Watkins was, or is it too early to judge after just 11 games?
- Keown calls Jackson an 'upgrade' on Watkins, but Watkins scored 91 Premier League goals for Villa – does Jackson's clinical start justify the claim?
- Villa's 100% Champions League start and Jackson's goalscoring form raise the question: are they now genuine contenders for a top-four finish?
- Emery's ability to rejuvenate players is well-known, but can he turn Jackson into a consistent 20-goal-a-season striker in the Premier League?
What happens next
Aston Villa return to Premier League action next weekend as they look to continue their recovery from a slow start to the campaign. Jackson will be aiming to extend his scoring run and help Villa climb the table. With Champions League commitments also on the horizon, Emery will need to manage his squad carefully to maintain their momentum.
Frequently asked questions
How many goals has Nicolas Jackson scored for Aston Villa?
Jackson has scored seven goals in his first 11 appearances for Aston Villa, including six in his last six games.
Did Nicolas Jackson score against Manchester City?
Yes, Jackson scored twice in Aston Villa's win over Manchester City, with both of his shots on target ending up in the net.
Why did Aston Villa sign Nicolas Jackson?
Villa signed Jackson as a direct replacement for Ollie Watkins, who moved to Al-Hilal in August after scoring 91 Premier League goals for the club.
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