Aston Villa's Jackson Scores Twice, Ending Manchester City's Win Run

Nicolas Jackson scored twice for Aston Villa as Manchester City fell 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday, ending Enzo Maresca's perfect record of winning his opening seven Premier League matches with the club.

Villa led after six minutes. A heavy touch from Marc Guehi gave Jackson the ball, and he cut inside Elliott Anderson before shooting past Gianluigi Donnarumma. City dominated much of the remainder of the first half, with Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki and Abdukodir Khusanov all denied by Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, and Ndiaye later striking the post.

City equalized on 52 minutes through Erling Haaland, who headed in Ndiaye's cross for his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol then had a shot pushed onto the crossbar by Suzuki. Villa reclaimed the lead on the hour mark when Ibrahim Mbaye set up Jackson for a low shot that Donnarumma failed to stop. City pressed for a second equalizer but did not score again.

The defeat is City's fourth straight league loss at Villa Park across the last four seasons. Arsenal can now draw level on points with City at the top of the table if they beat Everton at home later Saturday. Villa's sixth win in seven matches across all competitions moves the club to sixth place.

City entered the match carrying an appeal of a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges covering financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. Sanctions in that case could include relegation. The 10-time English champions had kept winning through that process until Saturday's result.

Villa manager Unai Emery has rebuilt the squad after losing six players who started last season's Europa League victory during the summer transfer window. His additions this summer include Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye and Johan Manzambi.