Aston Villa beats Manchester City 2-1 to end league winning streak

Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday, ending the visitors' unbeaten start to the Premier League season. Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the home side, capping a performance that halted Manchester City's seven-game winning run in the top flight.

Enzo Maresca had previously become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League matches with a new club. The streak ended quickly on Saturday as Villa took the lead just six minutes into the match. A heavy touch from Marc Guehi allowed Jackson to isolate Elliott Anderson, and Jackson cut inside before firing a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Manchester City dominated possession for much of the first half but could not convert their pressure into a goal. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made key saves to deny Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also struck the post during the first-half surge.

Erling Haaland restored parity in the 52nd minute with a header from a Ndiaye cross. This marked Haaland's 13th goal in his first 10 appearances of the season. Josko Gvardiol nearly gave the visitors the lead moments later, but his powerful drive hit the crossbar after being deflected by Suzuki.

Villa regained the lead at the one-hour mark. Ibrahim Mbaye moved behind the Manchester City defense and crossed to Jackson, who placed a low shot past Donnarumma. The visitors pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes but could not break through Villa's defense.

The result positions Arsenal to take sole possession of the top spot if they defeat Everton later on Saturday. For Villa, the win moves them into sixth place in the league. It is their sixth victory in their last seven matches across all competitions.

Manager Unai Emery has maintained his squad's competitive edge despite significant summer turnover. Six players who started in last season's Europa League final departed during the transfer window. The new acquisitions, including Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi, have contributed to the team's recent form. Meanwhile, Manchester City continues to appeal a guilty verdict on over 100 charges of financial irregularities from 2009 to 2018, a case that could result in sanctions up to relegation.