Jason Cundy slams Nicolas Jackson as ‘absolute disgrace’ after Villa’s half‑time change

Aston Villa have slipped to 19th in the Premier League after four games, picking up just one point, following a 2‑1 defeat to Nottm Forest on Saturday in which new record signing Nicolas Jackson was withdrawn at half‑time by manager Unai Emery.

Villa’s precarious league position

The Villans sit 19th after four fixtures, their solitary point coming from an earlier draw.

Alysson provided Villa’s first Premier League goal of the season, but it was not enough as Nottm Forest edged them 2‑1.

Emery explained that Jackson risked a second booking in the first half, prompting his removal. “Nico Jackson had a yellow card and the referee was telling us that he needed to keep calm,” he said.

He added, “If not, he was close to having another yellow card. I know Jackson and he could have one action with his power being dangerous for another yellow. It was my decision.”

Cundy condemns Jackson’s discipline

Former Chelsea star Jason Cundy hit out at the striker, calling his discipline “an absolute disgrace”.

“I promise you now, Nicolas Jackson’s discipline is an absolute disgrace. I watched him pick up red and yellow cards for fun, he won’t learn. He has a discipline problem,” Cundy told.

He argued that Jackson often receives cautions “not for a tackle” but for “saying something to the referee, pulling someone’s shirt… kicking the ball away”.

Cundy also questioned Emery’s substitution, saying, “It’s a big call that, bringing off Nicolas Jackson and bringing on Tammy Abraham at half‑time, that’s a big call… If you take a striker off and go with a straight swap… that’s a strange decision, and then it doesn’t work.”