Nicolas Jackson scores twice to end Man City's seven-match win streak

Nicolas Jackson scored two goals in the 2-1 victory for Aston Villa, ending Manchester City's flawless start to the Premier League campaign. The result marks the end of a seven-game winning run for the visitors and their new manager, Enzo Maresca. It also represents the fourth consecutive season that City has lost at Villa Park.

The match began with a quick blow for the champions. After only six minutes, a heavy touch from Marc Guehi allowed Jackson to receive the ball in a dangerous position. He cut inside Elliott Anderson and fired a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to put the hosts ahead.

Manchester City controlled possession for much of the first half but faced resistance from Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The keeper denied Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also struck the post, keeping the score at 1-0 at halftime.

The hosts' pressure finally resulted in an equalizer in the 52nd minute. Erling Haaland headed in a cross from Ndiaye, marking his 13th goal in just 10 appearances this season. Shortly after, Josko Gvardiol had a chance to take the lead, but Suzuki deflected his powerful drive onto the crossbar.

Aston Villa restored their lead exactly on the hour mark. Ibrahim Mbaye found space behind the City defense and crossed for Jackson. The striker finished low, a shot that should have been stopped by Donnarumma. City pushed for a late equalizer but could not break through again.

The defeat leaves the table tight at the top. Arsenal has the opportunity to move level on points with City if they defeat Everton at home later on Saturday. For Villa, the win is their sixth in seven matches across all competitions. It lifts the club to sixth place in the league standings.

The victory highlights the work done by manager Unai Emery since his arrival four years ago. He has transformed the club from a sleeping giant into a Champions League side. This achievement is notable because he has managed to sustain success despite losing much of his core squad during the transfer window.

Six players who started in last season's Europa League victory have left the club. However, summer signings including Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi are already delivering results. This has helped offset a slow start to the current campaign.

Manchester City had maintained their winning record despite uncertainty surrounding their financial future. The 10-time champions are appealing a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges related to financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. Potential sanctions include heavy fines or relegation, though two defensive errors at Villa Park proved costly in the final result.