Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa moved ahead of Manchester City in their Premier League meeting at Villa Park on Saturday, 24 October 2026.
The Senegal forward struck in the sixth minute of the eighth-round fixture, capitalising on a poor touch from Marc Guehi after the Manchester City defender was put under pressure by John McGinn. Jackson then finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give Aston Villa an early lead.
Manchester City responded after the interval, with Erling Haaland equalising in the 52nd minute. But Jackson restored Aston Villa’s advantage in the 60th minute, around the hour mark, after a move started by Ibrahim Mbaye.
The performance underlined Jackson’s growing importance to Unai Emery’s side. The former Chelsea striker’s strength, movement and finishing caused Manchester City’s defence considerable problems throughout the contest.
It was also a significant display for Senegal, who can look to Jackson as a confident centre-forward ahead of their next international commitments.