2-1: Villa's Win Ends Manchester City's Seven-Game Streak
Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Unai Emery's side defeated the league leaders at home, stopping Enzo Maresca's historic winning run.
By Arjun Wojcik ·
Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday, snapping a seven-game winning streak that had defined the early part of the Premier League season. Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the hosts, guiding Unai Emery’s team to a victory that halts Manchester City’s perfect start.
The match began with a mistake from Manchester City defender Marc Guehi. After a heavy touch, Jackson received the ball, cut inside Elliott Anderson, and blasted a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the sixth minute. Despite controlling possession for much of the first half, City could not find an equalizer. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made key saves to deny Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov, while Ndiaye also struck the post.
Erling Haaland leveled the score in the 52nd minute. He powered in a header from Ndiaye’s cross, marking his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol nearly gave City the lead moments later, but Suzuki directed his fierce drive onto the crossbar.
Villa regained the lead in the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye found space behind the City defense and crossed for Jackson, who fired a low shot that Donnarumma failed to stop. City pushed for a late equalizer but could not find a way past the Villa defense.
The result marks a turning point for both clubs in the league standings. Arsenal can move to the top of the table if they defeat Everton later on Saturday. For Villa, the win is their sixth in seven matches across all competitions, lifting them to sixth place. Emery has rebuilt the squad since arriving four years ago, transforming the club into a Champions League contender despite losing six players who started last season’s Europa League final.
New summer signings Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have been central to this resurgence. For Manchester City, the loss comes amidst ongoing legal battles. The 10-time English champions are appealing a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018. Potential sanctions include relegation, yet the defeat stems from two defensive errors rather than external pressure.
Enzo Maresca had become the first manager to win his opening seven Premier League matches for a new club. He had previously lost to Villa in each of the last four seasons, a trend that continued on Saturday.
Source: Al Jazeera
