From Chelsea reject to Watkins ‘upgrade’ – Jackson makes fast Villa start
Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1, continuing an impressive start to his spell at the club. Signed from Chelsea to replace Ollie Watkins, Jackson is helping Villa recover from a slow Premier League start and has also contributed to their perfect Champions League record.
The 25-year-old Senegal international has scored seven goals in 11 appearances for Villa, including six in his last six. His four league goals in seven games have come at an average of one every 138 minutes, compared with one every 210 minutes across his Chelsea league record; former Villa defender Martin Keown called him an upgrade on Watkins. Watkins scored 91 league goals in 221 appearances for Villa before moving to Saudi Arabia in August, while Jackson’s summer deal could be worth up to £65m.
In short
- Jackson scored twice in Villa’s 2-1 win over Manchester City.
- He has seven goals in his first 11 Villa appearances.
- Keown says Jackson may be an upgrade on Watkins.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jackson’s early scoring rate and impact in a win over Manchester City suggest Villa have found a forward who can help them compete on several fronts. His league goals have come more frequently than they did at Chelsea, and replacing Watkins with a younger striker who is already contributing may prove a strong sporting investment.
The case against
A short run of form is not enough to establish that Jackson is a lasting upgrade on Watkins, whose 91 league goals for Villa were built over many appearances. Jackson’s deal could cost up to £65m, so the club is taking a substantial risk if his early scoring does not continue; Watkins’ experience and proven record also make the comparison difficult to settle so soon.
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