Aston Villa defeats Manchester City 2-1 to end seven-game winning streak

Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park to end the visitors' flawless start to the Premier League season. Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the home side, capping a performance that halted a seven-game winning streak for Manchester City.

The match broke open quickly. In the sixth minute, Marc Guehi committed a heavy touch that gifted possession to Jackson. The forward cut inside Elliott Anderson and fired a high shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma to put Villa ahead. Despite dominating possession in the first half, City failed to convert pressure into goals, with Zion Suzuki making key saves to keep the deficit to one.

Erling Haaland equalized in the 52nd minute with a header from a cross by Iliman Ndiaye. It was Haaland's 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol had a chance to put City ahead moments later, but his drive struck the crossbar after a save by Suzuki.

Villa took the lead again at the one-hour mark. Ibrahim Mbaye broke past the defense and crossed to Jackson, who placed a low shot into the net past a beaten Donnarumma. City pushed for an equalizer in the closing minutes but could not find a way past Suzuki.

This result stops a historic run for Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca. He had become the first manager in Premier League history to win his first seven matches in charge of a new club. However, City have now lost at Villa Park in each of the last four seasons.

For Villa, the win marks their sixth victory in seven games across all competitions and moves them into sixth place in the league. The result reflects the impact of summer signings like Jackson, Suzuki, and Mbaye, who are replacing six starters from last season's Europa League-winning squad. Manager Unai Emery has maintained his project despite significant squad turnover.

Manchester City faces a complicated backdrop as it appeals a guilty verdict on over 100 charges of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018. Potential sanctions include relegation, but the team has continued to win until now. Arsenal can level with City at the top of the table if they defeat Everton later Saturday.