Nicolas Jackson’s move to Aston Villa has already begun to look like the fresh start both player and club needed, with the Senegal striker rediscovering his best form under Unai Emery.
Jackson’s two-goal display in the victory over Manchester City provided the clearest evidence yet of his revival. It was also a significant full-circle moment, coming against Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager who sanctioned his departure in 2025.
The 25-year-old has now scored seven goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions. His return to form has strengthened the sense that Aston Villa could be the ideal setting for him to fulfil the potential he showed during his time in the Premier League.
Why Nicolas Jackson is thriving at Aston Villa
Jackson’s finishing has improved sharply since his move from Chelsea. He converted 18 of 61 big chances across his two seasons at Stamford Bridge, a success rate of 29 per cent.
At Villa, he has scored three times from five big chances. His four Premier League goals have come from an expected goals figure of 1.98, meaning only Erling Haaland has exceeded his expected return by a greater margin.
Jackson is attempting roughly three shots per match, similar to his output at Chelsea, but his conversion rate has risen from 13.2 per cent in his final season in west London to 21 per cent so far this campaign.
His role at Villa has also given him greater clarity. With Ollie Watkins having left the club, Jackson was identified as the leading option in attack, with Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo providing support.
That responsibility has been matched by freedom to move across the frontline. Away from the intense scrutiny that followed him at Chelsea, Jackson has been able to operate as the focal point while also drifting into wider areas.
He has not been left to carry the attack alone. Johan Manzambi, Emi Buendia, John McGinn and Senegal team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye are among the players able to supply him or combine with him when he moves away from the centre.
Jackson’s first goal for Villa came in the 3-2 win over Club Brugge, the same match in which McGinn ended the club’s wait for a goal at the start of the season. Neither the striker nor his new team has looked back since.
His movement remains a major part of his progress. Jackson currently leads Premier League centre forwards for completed dribbles, with 2.5 per game, and runs ahead of the ball, averaging 7.7.
Emery’s influence has been central to that development. The pair previously worked together at Villarreal, where the Villa manager helped Jackson improve his understanding of the game and his physical preparation.
“Unai taught me everything about football,” Jackson said in 2025.
He added: “When I was from Senegal, I knew how to play but I did not understand how to run on the pitch. I was just running like crazy, taking the ball and just dribbling, making my own stuff. [Emery] changed all that and made me into a different kind of player.”
Emery believes the striker can now make the most of the ability he has developed. “We worked during the one year on his skill, he improved his understanding better,” he said when Jackson joined Villa. “Now he could exploit his potential.”
The move followed a difficult period in which Jackson’s place at Chelsea became uncertain. The arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap created competition in attack, while a loan spell at Bayern Munich offered little prospect of displacing Harry Kane.
Atletico Madrid were also interested in signing Jackson, but could not meet the financial demands of a deal. Aston Villa ultimately reunited him with Emery in a transfer package that could reach a club-record £65 million.
Villa took a significant risk on a player who had scored in double figures in both of his Premier League seasons at Chelsea but had yet to fulfil his potential consistently. Watkins’ departure, which left Jackson with the responsibility of replacing the club’s leading Premier League goalscorer, increased the challenge.
So far, Jackson has responded. His continued progress will depend on meeting Emery’s demands and sustaining the sharpness that has made his return to form one of the early stories of Aston Villa’s season.
