Premier League: Villa stops City's perfect start
Nicolas Jackson scored twice in a 2-1 victory that snapped Manchester City's seven-game winning streak and handed Enzo Maresca his first league loss.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Manchester City entered the match with a flawless record, having won their first seven Premier League games. That run ended Saturday at Villa Park after a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the home side. His first strike came in the sixth minute. Marc Guehi made a heavy touch that fell to Jackson, who cut inside Elliott Anderson and blasted a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City controlled possession for much of the first half but struggled to convert chances. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki kept them at bay, denying Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also struck the post during the first stanza.
Erling Haaland equalized in the 52nd minute with a header from a Ndiaye cross. It was his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Moments later, Josko Gvardiol fired a shot that Suzuki turned onto the crossbar.
Villa regained the lead in the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye slipped through the City defense and crossed to Jackson, who finished low past Donnarumma. City pushed for an equalizer but failed to find the net again.
The result leaves City vulnerable at the top of the table. Arsenal can move level on points if they defeat Everton at home later on Saturday. For Villa, the win lifts them to sixth place. It is their sixth victory in seven matches across all competitions.
Unai Emery’s team has rebuilt its squad this summer. Six starters from last season’s Europa League-winning side left during the transfer window. New signings Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have contributed to the team’s recent form. City remains focused on its league campaign despite an ongoing appeal of a guilty verdict on more than 100 financial charges covering the 2009 to 2018 period.
