Aston Villa stunned high-flying Manchester City on Saturday afternoon and that was in no small part down to the heroics of striker Nicolas Jackson.

The Midlands outfit forked out £65 million to sign the 25-year-old from Chelsea this summer in a head-turning fee for a forward who had blown hot and cold in the Premier League.

However, reunited with former Villarreal boss Unai Emery, Jackson has been a revelation at Villa Park - and Villans fans won't get tired of seeing that gladiatorial celebration.

Nicolas Jackson worthy of gladiator celebration

Twice against Man City, Jackson had the chance to showcase his trademark celebration in front of the Villa Park faithful. It may just be a celebration, but it embodies the shift that has happened in the player since joining Aston Villa.

Now, after scoring, the Senegal star tracks down a camera and stares down the lens. The striker then references Roman gladiator fights, holding his hand out as an emperor would when asking the crowd if a defeated fighter should live or die, before turning his thumb down.

There's a swagger and boastfulness to the action that points to a confidence in the player that was never seen for any sustained time during his three years at Chelsea. Emery has unlocked a new mentality in the player.

Speaking after the match, the Aston Villa manager said: "I know his capacity to score, his qualities. I know as well his humility, how he is working every day and focusing on football as his priority in life with his family."

Aston Villa only mustered two shots on target against Man City yesterday, and the forward was clinical in ensuring that both hit the back of the net. The player now has seven goals in 11 outings for his new side.

Martin Keown: Jackson is 'special talent'

The feeling is that when Jackson gets a chance, he will score. That has not always been the case.

During his time at Chelsea, Premier League legend Alan Shearer was regularly critical of the player. In 2023, the pundit found issue with a 'lack of movement' and then, after the 2024 FA Cup semi-final, poured scorn on the forward missing 'sitters'.

Emery appears to have completely transformed the player. The manager's post match interview acknowledged a potential new feeling of home since moving from London, and the way in which Jackson has uplifted the side did not go unnoticed on Match of the Day.

Speaking on Saturday night, Martin Keown said: "The team has suffered and you need a striker that gives you the belief you can win games when you're suffering. This guy is a special talent. A really top signing, full of pace.

"Jackson is so composed. He's intelligent with his movement. You know you've got a striker you can believe in. He's got good power and is always really effective."

The fixtures continue to come thick and fast for Aston Villa, with a cup tie against AFC Bournemouth up next, before a meeting with Fulham and then European juggernauts Barcelona. No matter who the opponents, Jackson will feel his rich vein of form means more goals are just around the corner.