Nicolas Jackson Hits Five Goals in Eight Games for Aston Villa
Nicolas Jackson has made an immediate impact at Aston Villa following his club-record £65 million move from Chelsea, with five goals in his first eight appearances for Unai Emery’s side.
The forward arrived during the summer to fill the vacancy left by Ollie Watkins, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. Jackson has scored twice in the Premier League and three times in the Champions League during his early Villa run.
Quick facts
- Jackson joined Aston Villa from Chelsea for a club-record £65 million.
- He has five goals across his opening eight Villa appearances.
- Two of those goals came in Villa’s 6-0 Champions League win over Fenerbahce.
- Watkins left Villa for Al Hilal in the summer.
- Jackson scored 17 times in his first Chelsea season, in 2023/24.
His double against Fenerbahce included finishes from around the edge of the area and from inside the box. He also impressed in the league against Tottenham, controlling the ball, turning and finishing quickly into the corner.
Former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes Jackson brings qualities that differ from those offered by Watkins. While stressing that Villa would have benefited from having both forwards competing for places, Agbonlahor described Watkins as an important servant to the club.
Agbonlahor pointed to Jackson’s age, improved first touch and sharper movement, as well as his willingness to receive possession, beat defenders and carry the ball. He expects the 24-year-old to reach 20 goals in all competitions by the end of the campaign, arguing that pace remains a major asset for a Premier League centre-forward.
Jackson’s previous best senior return came in his debut Chelsea campaign, when he registered 17 goals in 2023/24. His early Villa total has put that mark within reach if he remains available through the domestic and European schedule.
Alex Crook said Villa could provide a more suitable setting for the striker than Chelsea or Bayern Munich, where Jackson spent last season on loan without making a major impression. The key factor, in his view, is Jackson’s existing relationship with Emery, who had worked with him in Spain.
Villa’s manager knows the player’s game, while the expectations around Jackson are less intense than they were at Chelsea or Bayern. With Villa still competing on two fronts, Jackson will have further opportunities to build on an encouraging opening period.
