Nicolas Jackson scores twice as Villa stops City's seven-game win streak

Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for Aston Villa in a 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday.

The match broke a record. Enzo Maresca had become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League games after taking charge of a new club. He could not find a way past Villa Park, where City have now lost in each of the last four seasons.

Villa struck quickly. After just six minutes, Marc Guehi made a heavy touch that fell to Jackson. He cut inside Elliott Anderson and blasted a high shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City controlled possession for much of the first half but could not break through. Zion Suzuki made key saves to deny Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also hit the post before halftime.

The pressure paid off in the 52nd minute. Erling Haaland headed in Ndiaye's cross to pull City level. It was Haaland's 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol missed a chance to put City ahead moments later when Suzuki pushed his drive onto the crossbar.

Villa regained the lead on the hour mark. Ibrahim Mbaye crossed from behind the defense, and Jackson finished low past Donnarumma. City pushed for an equalizer but could not find another goal.

The result leaves City vulnerable at the top. Arsenal can move level on points if they beat Everton at home later Saturday. Villa moves to sixth place with its sixth win in seven games across all competitions. The victory highlights the work Unai Emery has done since arriving four years ago, rebuilding the squad after six starters from last season's Europa League run left. The summer additions of Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi are already delivering results. City, a 10-time English champion, is appealing a guilty verdict on more than 100 financial rule charges from 2009 to 2018. The potential sanctions include relegation, but the team's two defensive errors in this match were the main reason for the loss.