Jackson double ends Manchester City’s perfect start as Villa win 2–1

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Nicolas Jackson scored both goals as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2–1 at Villa Park on Saturday, ending the Premier League leaders’ perfect start after seven consecutive victories. The result also gave Unai Emery’s side their first home league win of the season.

Jackson put Villa ahead in the sixth minute after a mistake by Marc Guéhi allowed John McGinn to release him. City responded with sustained pressure, but goalkeeper Zion Suzuki denied Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye also struck the post before half-time.

Erling Haaland brought City level early in the second half, heading in a delivery from Ndiaye. Suzuki then pushed Joško Gvardiol’s effort onto the crossbar, preventing the visitors from taking the lead during their strongest spell.

Villa regained the advantage on the hour. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye supplied Jackson, whose first-time finish went beneath Gianluigi Donnarumma. Ian Maatsen later cleared a Haaland header off the line as the hosts protected their narrow lead.

City head coach Enzo Maresca said his team needed to be more clinical in front of goal. He also defended Guéhi, explaining that the centre-back’s half-time withdrawal reflected his booking and the demands of continuing to play aggressively.

The defeat left City on 21 points and allowed Arsenal to catch them later on Saturday. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel scored in Arsenal’s 2–0 home victory over Everton, moving the champions level with City after eight matches.

Villa’s victory lifted them to sixth on 11 points. For City, their fourth consecutive league defeat at Villa Park ended an otherwise flawless start under Maresca.

Sources

• Sky Sports: Aston Villa 2–1 Manchester City match report
• Reuters via CNA: Arsenal join Manchester City at summit after Villa win (2026-10-24)
• Opta Analyst: Aston Villa–Manchester City match statistics (2026-10-24)