Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson delights in Aston Villa’s clean sheet in Fenerbahce rout
Nicolas Jackson has vowed to maintain his goalscoring form after netting twice in Aston Villa’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Fenerbahçe in the Champions League, while expressing his ambition to complete a hat-trick in a future outing.
The Senegal international was among the standout performers at Villa Park on Wednesday, helping Aston Villa secure a commanding victory in their second Champions League matchday.
Jackson was pleased with the team’s attacking display but also highlighted the importance of keeping a clean sheet as Unai Emery’s side delivered an impressive performance on home soil.
“It’s a very good victory today. We are very happy to have secured it in this second matchday of the Champions League. The most important thing is also not to concede a goal,” he told TNT Sports after the match.
Jackson targets goals in every match
The former Chelsea striker has made a strong impression with his recent performances and is determined to build on his latest contribution.
Rather than becoming distracted by individual accolades, Jackson stressed that his priority remains scoring regularly, helping the team win and meeting his manager’s expectations.
“I’m just trying to score in every match, win and help the team. It’s also important to play for the manager. I’m focused on the pitch; that’s the most important thing for me.”
His brace against Fenerbahçe provided another opportunity to demonstrate his attacking instincts as Aston Villa look to make their mark in Europe.
The forward will now hope to carry that momentum into upcoming fixtures as he seeks to establish himself as a consistent source of goals for Emery’s side.
Senegal star hails attacking partnership
Jackson also expressed his excitement about playing alongside Johan Manzambi, praising the quality of his new teammate and expressing hope that their partnership will produce more goals and assists.
The Senegalese striker believes their understanding can develop further as they spend more time together on the pitch.
“He’s a very good player. I’m very happy to play with him. I hope we’ll score lots of goals together and provide each other with plenty of assists.”
The prospect of building a productive attacking partnership offers encouragement for Aston Villa as they seek to maintain their threat across domestic and European competitions.
Jackson’s ability to combine goalscoring with link-up play could prove valuable as Emery continues to develop his attacking options.
Jackson backs compatriot Ibrahim Mbaye
The 24-year-old was equally enthusiastic about sharing the pitch with fellow Senegal international Ibrahim Mbaye, highlighting the connection they have developed through their involvement with the national team.
Jackson believes their existing relationship can help them work effectively together at club level and hopes Mbaye receives more opportunities to showcase his ability.
“We’re together in the national team, so we have a good connection and we talk a lot. He’s improving. I hope he gets more playing time. He’s an exceptional player, very fast, like me. It’s good to have him with us today. I hope he gets many more starts and scores lots of goals.”
His comments underline the value he places on their shared international experience and his confidence in Mbaye’s potential.
Missed hat-trick opportunity leaves Jackson hungry
Despite scoring twice in the rout, Jackson admitted he would have welcomed the chance to complete his hat-trick after Ross Barkley took a penalty during the match.
However, he accepted that the team’s established rules take precedence over individual ambitions, insisting that Aston Villa’s victory remained the priority.
“Yes, I wanted to take them, but there are rules. I’m very happy. The most important thing is that we won. I hope next time I’ll get my hat-trick.”
Jackson’s brace and his determination to keep improving will offer encouragement to Aston Villa as they continue their Champions League campaign.
For the Senegalese forward, the immediate objective is clear: maintain his scoring touch, strengthen his partnerships with his teammates and turn future opportunities into more goals.
