Nicolas Jackson’s brace against Manchester City on Saturday marked a stellar launch for the striker at Aston Villa.
Signed from Chelsea as Ollie Watkins’ direct replacement – the club’s top scorer for six seasons – the 25‑year‑old Senegalese had to hit the ground running in claret and blue.
Jackson has delivered, netting seven times in his first 11 games – six in the last six – and powering Villa to a perfect Champions League start while reviving a sluggish league campaign.
“The players, the manager, the team – everything is incredible,” Jackson told BBC Match of the Day.
“I’m thrilled to be here and hope we achieve amazing things together,” he added.
His Villa sample is tiny compared with his Chelsea tenure, yet several metrics already show clear improvement.
At Chelsea he scored 24 goals in 65 Premier League outings, a goal every 210 minutes with a 15% conversion rate.
At Villa he has four strikes in seven matches, a goal every 138 minutes and a 21% conversion rate.
Critics at Chelsea noted his abundance of chances but modest conversion.
In his early Villa weeks he is exceeding his expected‑goals figure by exactly two.
Both shots on target against City came from his right foot and found the net.
‘He looks like a really good piece of business’ – Keown
England international Watkins logged 91 Premier League goals in 221 Villa appearances before joining Al‑Hilal in August.
He consistently hit double‑digit league tallies across six seasons at Villa.
Last‑season numbers suggest Jackson participates more in overall play and creates more chances than the England forward.
For my money, his fee looks like a steal if this form endures.
“I think he’s an upgrade on Ollie Watkins, I really do,” a source said.
“Ollie was magnificent, but this guy is a predator in and around the box. Pace will always trouble top defenders, and he’s got it in abundance,” the source continued.
“Having worked with him at Villarreal, I see his development fast‑tracking,” the source added.
“He appears to be excellent business right now. The team needed belief, and this talent provides it,” the source noted.
“With talent like that, he can go a long way,” the source concluded.
Jackson stars with two goals – player ratings for Aston Villa v Man City
Saturday’s win fell on the fourth anniversary of Emery’s appointment as Villa boss.
Under the Spaniard, Villa have become regulars in the Premier League’s upper tier, European competition and lifted the Europa League after a 30‑year wait.
Beyond results, many players have revived or reached new heights under Emery at Villa Park.
Former Scotland defender Rachel Corsie, who finished her career in the Women’s Super League with Villa, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Emery is quite unique. Most coaches focus on tactics, but he is intensely detailed.”
“I recall his car always parked at the training ground. Some say that’s normal for a manager, but the time commitment is massive,” she said.
“He obsessively refines details, never tiring of improving individuals. That effort helps countless players thrive here,” she added.
Jackson previously worked with Emery at Villarreal, spending three years there before Chelsea paid £35 million for him.
Emery told BBC Match of the Day: “I knew him at Villarreal and saw him reach this level. I understand his strengths and his humility.”
“His mindset shines through – his focus on life and his professional career is evident,” Emery added.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Jackson said: “Settling isn’t easy, but the coach and players make it smoother.”
“The dressing room is incredible, the manager exceptional. I’m delighted to be here and aim to score many goals,” he affirmed.
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