Nicolas Jackson has scored seven goals in his last nine appearances across all competitions for Aston Villa, and the data points to far sharper finishing than at Chelsea. Reunited with Unai Emery, he is converting at a rate bettered only once in the last five seasons. According to Skysports.com.
Why Emery is getting Nicolas Jackson’s finishing back on track at Villa
Finishing was the recurring frustration at Chelsea. Across two seasons at Stamford Bridge, Jackson converted only 18 of his 61 big chances (29 per cent). For Villa he has converted three of five (60 per cent), although that is a small sample size and the improvement runs deeper than one statistic.
Expected goals backs that up. The 25-year-old has scored four Premier League goals from an xG value of just 1.98, and only Erling Haaland is overperforming by a greater margin among strikers, with nine goals from 6xG. His shot volume has not changed, at around three a game.
The conversion rate shows the change most clearly. It has risen from 13.2 per cent in his final season at Chelsea to 21 per cent in 2026/27 so far. The only time he exceeded that in the last five seasons was 29.3 per cent in 2022/23, his last season with Emery before the manager left for Villa.
Role and structure help explain it. Named as heir to Ollie Watkins, with Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo in support, Jackson is the focal point of the attack and has freedom to roam across positions. Johan Manzambi, Emi Buendia, John McGinn and Senegal team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye give him passers and receivers.
Villa struggled early in the season and failed to score until September 8, although Jackson’s performances were positive. He scored his first for the club in the 3-2 win against Club Brugge, the match in which McGinn broke that deadlock. His double against Manchester City then came against Enzo Maresca, who sanctioned his exit from Chelsea in 2025.
Emery’s influence shows in the numbers. Jackson currently ranks first amongst centre forwards in the league for dribbles completed (2.5) and runs ahead of the ball per game (7.7). He told Sky Sports in 2025 that “Unai is a big key to my football now”, while Emery said at signing that Jackson “could exploit his potential”.
Chelsea’s position offers a contrast. Joao Pedro was injured and they played 78 minutes without a recognised striker in their loss to Tottenham, after Jackson had already scored twice to beat Man City. His move could reach a club-record £65m, and Villa host Fulham on Saturday Night Football, kick-off 8pm.
