Jackson double ends Manchester City's perfect league start

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday, ending City’s perfect start to the Premier League season. The result gave Unai Emery’s side a sixth win in seven games in all competitions and lifted them to sixth.

City had won Enzo Maresca’s first seven league matches in charge, but fell behind after six minutes and could not make their second-half equaliser count. They have now lost at Villa Park in each of the past four seasons.

Jackson strikes, Suzuki holds firm

Villa’s early lead came from a City mistake. A heavy touch by Marc Guehi gave Jackson possession, and the striker cut inside Elliott Anderson before driving his shot high past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City controlled much of the rest of the first half, but Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki kept them out. He denied Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki and Abdukodir Khusanov, while Ndiaye also struck the post.

The visitors finally levelled in the 52nd minute when Erling Haaland headed in Ndiaye’s cross. It was Haaland’s 13th goal in 10 appearances this season, and City nearly went ahead moments later when Suzuki turned Josko Gvardiol’s drive onto the crossbar.

Villa instead restored their lead on the hour mark. Ibrahim Mbaye got in behind City’s defence and crossed for Jackson, whose low shot beat Donnarumma. City pressed for another equaliser but could not find one.

Villa’s upturn continues

The win adds to Villa’s recent improvement after a slow start to the campaign. Emery has had to reshape his side following the departure of six players who started a Europa League victory for Villa last season.

Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye and Johan Manzambi are among the recruits highlighted in that rebuild. Against City, Jackson provided both goals, Suzuki made a series of important saves, and Mbaye supplied the cross for the winner.

For City, the defeat ended a seven-match winning start under Maresca and left Arsenal with a chance to move level on points at the top of the table in their game against Everton later on Saturday. Villa’s victory, meanwhile, moved them up to sixth.