Nicolas Jackson's two goals end Manchester City's seven-game unbeaten run

Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday, ending the visitors' seven-match winning streak in the Premier League. The result marks City's first defeat under manager Enzo Maresca, who had previously set a record for the most consecutive opening wins by a new manager in the competition.

Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the hosts. The first came just six minutes into the match after a heavy touch by Marc Guehi allowed Jackson to cut inside Elliott Anderson and fire the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The second goal arrived on the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye found Jackson behind the defense, and the striker placed a low shot past the goalkeeper.

Erling Haaland provided the only goal for City, heading in a cross from Iliman Ndiaye in the 52nd minute. It was his 13th goal in ten appearances this season. Despite controlling much of the first half, the visitors were held at bay by Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who saved shots from Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov.

The defeat extends City's losing record at Villa Park, where they have now dropped points in each of the last four seasons. The loss allows Arsenal to close the gap at the top of the table if they defeat Everton later on Saturday.

For Villa, the win brings their record to six victories in seven games across all competitions, moving them to sixth place. It reflects the impact of new summer signings Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi, who are contributing to a squad that has changed significantly since last season.

Unai Emery has overseen a major rebuilding phase, losing six players from last season's Europa League starting lineup during the transfer window. The result comes as City navigate an appeal against a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges regarding financial rules from 2009 to 2018. Potential sanctions include relegation, though the team had maintained its winning form until this match.