Jackson Double Gives Aston Villa 2-1 Win Over Man City, Ending Their Perfect Start
Aston Villa ended Manchester City's perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 win at Villa Park on Saturday, October 24. Nicolas Jackson scored both of Villa's goals, either side of an Erling Haaland equaliser, and stopped City on seven straight league wins.
Jackson put Villa ahead inside six minutes, finishing a pass from John McGinn. City then controlled the ball for long spells, holding around 63 per cent of possession and having 15 shots to Villa's eight. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki kept the hosts in front with a string of saves, including two from Josko Gvardiol in the second half. Villa made six saves in total, while City's keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma faced only two shots on target.
City finally broke through seven minutes after the break. A short free-kick found Iliman Ndiaye, whose cross was headed in by Haaland for his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Villa answered on the hour mark. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye crossed from the right, and Jackson hit a first-time finish that squirmed under Donnarumma for what proved the winner. Both of Villa's shots on target ended up in the net.
The result extends a strong run for Unai Emery's side, who have now won six of their last seven games in all competitions. Jackson has seven goals for the season. For Enzo Maresca's City it was a first league defeat after seven wins from seven, and a fourth loss in as many seasons at Villa Park. Maresca felt his team had created enough chances to win the match.
The table still has City at the top on 21 points, but their lead did not last the day. Arsenal beat Everton later on Saturday to draw level on points. Villa moved up to 11 points and sit sixth, with a Champions League campaign running alongside. After a slow start to the season, Emery's side have found their rhythm at a good time. City, meanwhile, now have to show how they respond to their first real setback of the campaign.