According to a post on ESPN UK’s official Facebook account on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Nicolas Jackson’s celebration after scoring against Manchester City attracted attention because of his previous association with the club’s manager, Enzo Maresca.

The post featured images of Jackson celebrating his goal and carried the caption: “Nicolas Jackson’s celebration after scoring against his former manager… 👀👎” The wording sparked interest among football fans, particularly because of the striker’s reported history with Maresca during their time at Chelsea.

Jackson gave Aston Villa an early advantage in their Premier League encounter with Manchester City, finding the net in the sixth minute. According to the supplied match update, Villa maintained a 1-0 lead at half-time, with Jackson’s early strike providing the difference between the teams at that stage.

The goal attracted additional attention because of the reported circumstances surrounding Jackson’s departure from Chelsea. During the 2025/26 season, the striker was reportedly no longer part of the club’s plans under Maresca, prompting a change in his career.

Jackson subsequently spent time on loan at Bayern Munich before moving to Aston Villa, where he plays under manager Unai Emery. His return to the Premier League placed him in a new environment and gave him an opportunity to face teams managed by figures from his previous football career.

His goal against Manchester City therefore became a talking point beyond the scoreline. Some observers interpreted his celebration as a possible message to Maresca, although ESPN UK’s caption did not explicitly confirm that the gesture was directed at the manager.

The encounter also highlighted Jackson’s changing circumstances since leaving Chelsea. His move to Villa has brought him into a different team setup, where his performances are being assessed in the context of his new role under Emery.

While the social media post drew attention to the connection between Jackson and Maresca, the meaning behind the celebration remains open to interpretation. The available information does not establish Jackson’s personal intention, making it important to distinguish the caption’s suggestion from a confirmed statement by the player.