Nicolas Jackson scores twice to end Manchester City's seven-match win streak

Nicolas Jackson scored two goals as Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday. The result ended Manchester City's perfect start to the Premier League season, which had seen them win their first seven matches.

Villa took the lead in the sixth minute when Marc Guehi made a heavy touch that allowed Jackson to cut inside Elliott Anderson. Jackson blasted a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the home side the advantage. Manchester City controlled possession for much of the first half but were repeatedly stopped by Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov were all denied, with Ndiaye also hitting the post.

Erling Haaland powered in a header from Ndiaye's cross in the 52nd minute to make it 1-1. This was Haaland's 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Moments later, Josko Gvardiol fired a fierce drive at the goal, but Suzuki turned the effort onto the crossbar. Villa regained the lead at the 60th minute when Ibrahim Mbaye crossed for Jackson, who finished low past Donnarumma.

Manager Enzo Maresca had become the first manager to win his opening seven Premier League matches in charge of a new club before this loss. City have now lost in each of the last four seasons at this venue. The defeat leaves them in a position where Arsenal can move level on points at the top of the table if they beat Everton later on Saturday.

For Aston Villa, the win was their sixth in seven games in all competitions, lifting them to sixth place in the league. Manager Unai Emery has turned the club into a Champions League competitor since arriving four years ago, despite losing much of the core squad during the transfer window. Six players who started in last season's Europa League final departed in the summer. New signings Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have provided immediate impact after a slow start to the campaign.

Manchester City continues to navigate an appeal against a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The 10-time English champions face potential heavy sanctions, including relegation. Despite this background, the team showed little visible affectation until two defensive errors proved costly at Villa Park.