Nicolas Jackson struck twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2–1, ending City's seven-game league winning run. For Jackson, the victory carried extra significance because it came against a side managed by Enzo Maresca, the coach linked to his Chelsea past. His performance put a familiar question back in the spotlight: had Chelsea given up on a striker who still had more to offer?

Jackson needed only six minutes to make his mark. He found the net early and put Villa in front, immediately placing City under pressure. The visitors had built momentum through their winning run, but Jackson gave Villa the perfect start and made the contest more difficult for Pep Guardiola's side.

City responded when Erling Haaland scored the equaliser. The match was back in balance, and City had a chance to use their experience to take control. Jackson, however, had another answer. He scored again to restore Villa's lead, turning a promising start into a decisive personal performance.

Those two goals made the result about more than City's dropped points. Jackson's Chelsea spell had already brought questions about his place in the club's plans, particularly after Liam Delap arrived and competition for the striker position increased. Now, in a major match against Maresca's team, Jackson delivered the kind of display that can make people reconsider how they judge his ability.

It would be too early to say that one brace proves Maresca was wrong. A striker's value is measured across more than one match, and Jackson still has to show that he can produce consistently. But scoring twice against Manchester City, with the second goal helping secure the win, gave him a strong response on the pitch.

For Villa, the final whistle confirmed a victory that stopped City's winning momentum. For Jackson, it offered something personal: a chance to show his quality in a match that drew attention to his past. He did not need to answer every question about his career in one night. Two goals had already given supporters plenty to discuss.

Did Nicolas Jackson send Enzo Maresca a message with this performance, or must he keep scoring consistently before the Chelsea decision can truly be questioned?