Nicolas Jackson scores twice as Aston Villa defeats Manchester City 2-1
The loss ends Manchester City's record seven-game winning start and leaves them vulnerable to Arsenal at the top of the table.
By Lina Lewis ·
Manchester City lost its opening seven-game winning streak with a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday.
Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the home side, capping a performance that snapped the record start for manager Enzo Maresca.
Villa took the lead just six minutes into the match. A heavy touch from Manchester City defender Marc Guehi placed the ball at Jackson's feet. The striker cut inside Elliott Anderson and fired a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City dominated possession for much of the first half but found little success against Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov all saw shots denied, while Ndiaye also struck the post.
Erling Haaland restored balance in the 52nd minute with a header from a Ndiaye cross. The goal marked his 13th in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol had a chance to give City the lead moments earlier, but his drive was deflected onto the crossbar by Suzuki.
Villa regained the lead in the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye played a ball in behind the defense and crossed for Jackson, whose low finish beat Donnarumma.
The result allows Arsenal to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table if they defeat Everton later on Saturday. For Aston Villa, the win was their sixth in seven competitive matches this season, moving them into sixth place.
Unai Emery's side has transformed since his arrival four years ago, evolving into a Champions League contender despite losing six starting players from last season's Europa League campaign to the transfer market. The summer acquisitions of Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have been central to this success.
Manchester City continues to navigate off-field issues, currently appealing a guilty verdict on more than 100 financial charges covering the period between 2009 and 2018. Potential sanctions include relegation, yet the team had maintained its winning record until the defensive errors at Villa Park.
