Jackson scores twice as Villa stops City's seven-game run

Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday to end the visitors' perfect start to the Premier League season.

Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for Villa in a match that halted Manchester City's seven-game winning streak. The loss marks the fourth consecutive season City have fallen at Villa Park.

Villa took the lead in the sixth minute after Marc Guehi made a heavy touch. Jackson cut inside Elliott Anderson and shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Manchester City controlled possession in the first half but faced resistance from Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who denied Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov before Ndiaye struck the post.

Erling Haaland equalized for City in the 52nd minute with a header from a Ndiaye cross. It was his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol had a chance to take the lead moments later, but his drive hit the crossbar after being deflected by Suzuki.

Villa restored their lead in the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye crossed the ball into the box, and Jackson finished low past Donnarumma. City pressed for an equalizer but could not break through the Villa defense.

Unai Emery's team has won six of its last seven matches in all competitions. This victory moves Villa into sixth place in the league standings. Emery has rebuilt the squad after losing six players who started last season's Europa League final during the summer transfer window. The new signings, including Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi, have been effective since a slow start to the campaign.

Manchester City remains in first place but now trails Arsenal, who can level on points if they defeat Everton at home later on Saturday. The 10-time champions are also appealing a guilty verdict on over 100 financial charges from 2009 to 2018, a case that could result in sanctions including relegation. Despite the legal pressure, the team had maintained its winning record until this weekend.