Aston Villa ended Manchester City’s 100% start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory at Villa Park, as Nicolas Jackson scored twice to hand Enzo Maresca’s side their first league defeat of the campaign.
City arrived in the West Midlands having won their opening seven matches, but Unai Emery’s team produced a disciplined performance to claim all three points and extend their winning run against the champions at Villa Park to four consecutive league games. The result also came on the fourth anniversary of Emery’s appointment as Villa manager.
The hosts took the lead in the sixth minute after a costly mistake from City defender Marc Guehi. His poor touch allowed John McGinn to win possession and release Jackson, who moved inside Elliot Anderson before firing a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City attempted to respond, with Rayan Cherki seeing an effort saved by Zion Suzuki before Iliman Ndiaye struck the post. Villa’s goalkeeper remained busy as the visitors searched for an equaliser, but the home side reached half-time with their advantage intact.
Manchester City drew level seven minutes into the second half when Ndiaye delivered a cross from the right and Erling Haaland rose above the defence to head the ball into the net. The goal continued the Norwegian striker’s impressive scoring form, but City’s celebrations were short-lived.
Villa restored their lead eight minutes later through Jackson’s second goal of the afternoon. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye delivered a low ball into the penalty area, and Jackson connected with a first-time finish that beat Donnarumma under his left hand. The goalkeeper was unable to keep out the effort, leaving City with another deficit to overcome.
The visitors pushed forward in search of a second equaliser, creating further opportunities as Villa defended their advantage. Haaland came close late in the match with a header that appeared destined for the net, but Ian Maatsen cleared the ball off the line to preserve the hosts’ lead.
Suzuki also made important saves as City increased the pressure, while Villa remained organised through the closing stages to secure their first home league victory of the season.
The defeat ends City’s perfect opening run and leaves them needing to respond in their next fixture. They remain top of the Premier League table on 21 points, but second-placed Arsenal can draw level if they beat Everton later on Saturday.
Villa, meanwhile, move into the top six with 11 points after recording another significant result against one of the league’s leading sides. Jackson’s double proved decisive, while Emery’s team demonstrated their ability to withstand sustained pressure and punish defensive mistakes.
For Maresca, the loss provides an early test of how his side responds to adversity after an otherwise flawless start to the league campaign. City had opportunities to take something from the match, but Villa made their chances count and held on for a memorable victory at home.
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