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Nicolas Jackson accused of committing cardinal sin in Aston Villa loss vs Barcelona
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- Nicolas Jackson accused of committing cardinal sin in Aston Villa loss vs Barcelona
Nicolas Jackson let himself down as Aston Villa lost to Barcelona.
The Villans travelled to Camp Nou in the Champions League on Tuesday.
It was a day that the travelling fans had been looking forward to, but they were ultimately left disappointed in the rain.
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A Lamine Yamal strike was added to by a Raphinha double as the Catalan giants sealed a 3-0 win.
There was a general lack of chances for the away side as Hansi Flick's side showcased their quality.
Villa could have got one back in the second half if not for a moment to forget for Jackson.
How Nicolas Jackson blew it vs Barcelona
Opportunities were always going to be at a premium for the Senegal international.
Facing one of the best sides in the world away from home didn't benefit the inform striker at all.
That saw his touches and shots severely limited, although he still had a dream chance to get on the scoresheet.
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The ball fell the way of Jackson as substitute Leon Goretzka flicked a header off the far post from a corner.
Villa's number 11 looked to be in a prime position to tap in at the back post, but it can be argued that he didn't put his body on the line to take advantage.
That is a cardinal sin for a striker and didn't go down well with ex-Villa man Stephen Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live.
He said: "I think Nicolas Jackson is scared of hurting himself by running into the back post. I think he should be tapping that in."
It was a moment that somewhat summed up his performance, but what do the stats say?
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Aston Villa player ratings vs Barcelona: Joao Gomes shocker, 6/10 out on his own The numbers behind Jackson in Aston Villa defeat vs Barcelona
Unai Emery opted to hook the forward with 13 minutes to spare as the game was already lost.
In that time, he was only able to clock up one shot which was blocked.
Jackson did manage to create a chance, but with three failed dribbles, he clearly found it difficult out there.
That was further summed up by being caught offside three times as he failed to live with Barca's high line.
Losing five duels is just the icing on the cake on a frustrating night at Camp Nou.
The 25-year-old will be hoping for better moving forward, but may see his chance to score a tap-in repeat in his mind.
