Jackson double halts Manchester City's perfect season

Nicolas Jackson scored two goals on Saturday to guide Aston Villa to a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Villa Park. The result snapped Manchester City's seven-game winning streak and handed manager Enzo Maresca his first Premier League loss this season.

Maresca had set a record by winning his first seven matches with a new club. He could not replicate that success against Unai Emery's side. Manchester City has lost at Villa Park in each of the last four seasons.

Aston Villa took the lead in the sixth minute. Marc Guehi played a heavy touch that allowed Jackson to receive the ball. Jackson cut inside Elliott Anderson and fired a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Manchester City controlled possession for much of the first half. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made key saves to deny Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also struck the post during the visit.

Erling Haaland restored parity in the 52nd minute. He headed in a cross from Ndiaye to reach 13 goals in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol had a chance to put City ahead moments later, but Suzuki deflected his drive onto the crossbar.

Villa regained the lead in the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye crossed from behind the defense, and Jackson finished low past Donnarumma. The win moved Aston Villa to sixth place in the Premier League standings. It was their sixth win in seven games across all competitions.

The victory for Arsenal creates a path to level the table. If Arsenal beat Everton later on Saturday, they will tie Manchester City on points. For Villa, the win reflects the impact of summer signings Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi. Emery has retained the club's Champions League status despite six key players leaving in the transfer window. Manchester City continues to appeal a guilty verdict on financial charges from 2009 to 2018, a case that could lead to relegation.