The Independent profiled Nicolas Jackson's improved goalscoring form for Aston Villa under Unai Emery. Jackson scored twice in Villa's 2-1 win over Manchester City, a result that ended City's 100 per cent record.
Goals since joining Villa
Jackson has scored seven goals for Aston Villa since joining from Chelsea at the end of August. He has six goals in his last six appearances for Emery's side, including four in four in the Premier League. The Independent said Jackson has four Premier League goals from 1.84 xG since he arrived at Villa.
Transfer background
Aston Villa sold Ollie Watkins to Al Hilal for £50m. Jackson joined Chelsea for £32m when he was 22. The Independent said Chelsea sold Jackson to Villa in a deal that could reach £65m. The Independent said Jackson has reunited with Emery, who gave him his first break at Villarreal five years ago.
Chelsea numbers
Jackson scored 17 goals in 44 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino in his first season in English football. The Senegal international had 18.7 xG and scored just 14 goals in his first season. Under Enzo Maresca, Jackson scored 10 goals from 12.3 xG.
Emery on Jackson
Emery told TNT Sports following Jackson’s brace against City: "His challenge has been when he can have chances to score, always [aim] in the corner of the goals, because he was shooting so much at the beginning of the season like in rugby."
He also enthused about Jackson’s all-round impact: "How he was working, how he was defending, how he was getting duels – wow."
