Nicolas Jackson’s double to defeat Manchester City on Saturday capped an excellent start to the striker’s spell at Aston Villa.

Signed from Chelsea as a direct replacement for Ollie Watkins – Villa’s main source of goals for the previous six seasons – it was imperative the 25-year-old Senegal international hit the ground running in claret and blue.

Jackson has done just that, scoring seven goals in his first 11 appearances for Villa – six in the last six – and helping his new side to a 100% start in the Champions League and spearheading their recovery after a slow start to the Premier League campaign.

“The players, the manager, the team – everything is incredible,” Jackson told BBC Match of the Day.

“I’m very happy that I’m here and hopefully we can do amazing things together.”

Jackson spent two full seasons at Chelsea after joining in 2023 and had a year on loan at German giants Bayern Munich before moving to Villa in the summer for a deal worth up to £65m.

There is a much smaller sample size from his time at Villa Park compared with his spell at Stamford Bridge, but on several metrics, he is showing signs of improvement.

Jackson scored 24 goals in 65 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, netting every 210 minutes on average, with a shot conversion rate of 15%.

That compares with four in seven games for Villa, averaging a goal every 138 minutes with a shot conversion rate of 21%.

One of the criticisms of Jackson at Chelsea was he had lots of chances and did not convert as many of them as he should.

In his early weeks at Villa, he is outperforming his expected goals tally by exactly two.

Both of their shots on target against City came from Jackson’s right foot – and both ended up in the net.

England international Watkins scored 91 Premier League goals in 221 league appearances for Villa before moving to Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal in August.

He was a consistent scorer, never failing to reach double figures for Premier League goals during each of his six seasons with the club.

The respective statistics of Jackson and Watkins from last season suggest Jackson is more involved in general play than the England forward, while also being involved in more chances.

If Jackson’s current run of form continues, his fee may prove to be a bargain.

Former Villa and England defender Martin Keown told BBC Sport: “I’ve liked him all season. I think he’s key to Villa’s success.

“I think he’s an upgrade on Ollie Watkins, I really do.

“Ollie was magnificent for them, but this guy is more of a predator [in and around the penalty area]. Pace will always trouble top defenders and he’s got it in abundance.

“I think having worked with the manager before at Villarreal, he’s sort of fast-tracking his quick development.

“He looks like a really good piece of business right now.”

Saturday’s win was achieved on the fourth anniversary of Emery’s appointment as Villa boss.

Under the Spaniard, they have become fixtures in the upper echelons of the Premier League, regulars in European competition and ended a 30-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League.

Results are one thing, but there are also numerous examples of players who have been rejuvenated or scaled new heights in their careers under Emery’s management at Villa Park.

Former Scotland defender Rachel Corsie, who had a spell playing in the Women’s Super League for Aston Villa late in her career, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Emery is quite unique. A lot of coaches will focus on the tactical detail, but he’s so intense with it.

“I remember from when I was here that his car is always at the training ground. I know people will say that’s a natural thing and the life of a manager, but I would say it’s an incredible amount of time.

“He loves to get the detail right. He never gets tired of trying to better people individually and that takes an incredible amount of work. So many players come here, improve and thrive.”

Jackson has prior experience of playing under Emery, having been coached by him at Villarreal, where he spent three years before Chelsea signed him for £35m.

Emery told BBC Match of the Day: “I knew him at Villarreal and he started playing the level he is now. I know his capacity to exploit his qualities and I know, as well, his humility.

“The mentality is coming through – how focused he is in life and professional career.”

Speaking to TNT Sports, Jackson added: “It’s not easy [to settle at a new club] but easier because of the coach and the players.

“It’s an incredible dressing room with an incredible manager. I’m very happy to be here and hopefully I will score many goals.”