Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday. Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the hosts and ended the visitors’ perfect Premier League start.
Jackson opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Defender Marc Guehi misplaced a touch and captain John McGinn seized the ball. McGinn then fed Jackson, who finished into the bottom corner.
City equalised soon after the restart. Erling Haaland headed home a clipped cross from Iliman Ndiaye following a free kick. The Norwegian’s goal arrived in the 52nd minute.
Jackson restored Villa’s lead on the hour mark. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye surged down the right and cut the ball back. Jackson’s shot then sneaked under goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several important saves as City pressed for a late equaliser. Haaland had a chance near the end but Ian Maatsen cleared the ball off the line. Jackson left the pitch to a standing ovation in the closing stages.
The result lifted Unai Emery’s side to sixth place with 11 points. It marked their first league win at Villa Park this season and their third successive Premier League victory over City. Meanwhile Manchester City stayed top with 21 points under manager Enzo Maresca but suffered their first league defeat of the campaign.
Jackson has now scored seven goals for Villa since joining from Chelsea. The win also continued Villa’s strong recent form across competitions.
