Aston Villa ended Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson struck in the sixth and 60th minutes to hand Unai Emery’s side their first home win in the league this season, while Erling Haaland scored City’s only goal.
The result marked Manchester City’s first Premier League defeat under manager Enzo Maresca, whose side had enjoyed an impressive run before coming up against Villa’s intensity and determination.
Villa made an immediate statement, capitalising on an early defensive mistake by Marc Guehi. Jackson seized on the loose touch before calmly finishing to put the hosts ahead after just six minutes.
City struggled to settle as Villa pressed aggressively and disrupted their rhythm. Despite the visitors creating opportunities, including efforts from Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye, they could not find an equaliser before the break.
Haaland eventually brought City level in the 52nd minute, heading home Ndiaye’s cross to restore hope for the visitors. City appeared to be gaining control, with Zion Suzuki forced into an important save to deny Josko Gvardiol, whose subsequent effort also struck the crossbar.
However, Villa regained the lead eight minutes later when Jackson converted a cross from substitute Ibrahim Mbaye. His first-time effort slipped beneath goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, leaving City with another deficit to overcome.
Haaland nearly rescued a point late in the game, but Ian Maatsen cleared his goal-bound header as Villa held on for a significant victory.
The result rewards Villa’s aggressive approach and gives Emery’s side a much-needed boost at home after a difficult start to their league campaign.
Villa move up to sixth place, while City’s first league defeat of the season brings their winning run to an end and raises questions about their ability to cope with opponents who press them relentlessly.
For Jackson, the two goals provide a timely contribution in a match that could prove important to Villa’s momentum as the Premier League season continues.