Nicolas Jackson Brace Ends Man City’s Perfect Premier League Start

Posted : 24 October 2026

Aston Villa ended Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday, thanks to a superb brace from Nicolas Jackson. The result brought City’s seven-match winning run to an end and delivered another memorable home victory for Unai Emery’s side.

Villa took the lead in the sixth minute after City defender Marc Guehi lost possession with a poor touch. Captain John McGinn capitalised on the mistake and set up Jackson, who moved past Elliot Anderson before firing a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Manchester City responded by increasing the pressure as they searched for an equaliser. Iliman Ndiaye came close to scoring when his effort struck the post, while Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced several important saves to keep the visitors at bay before half-time.

City eventually drew level seven minutes after the break. Ndiaye delivered a cross from the right, allowing Erling Haaland to rise above the defence and head the ball into the net. The goal extended Haaland’s impressive scoring run in the Premier League.

The visitors looked capable of taking control after equalising, but Villa quickly restored their advantage. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye delivered a low pass into the penalty area, where Jackson met the ball with a first-time shot. Although the effort was directed towards Donnarumma, the goalkeeper failed to keep it out, allowing Villa to regain the lead in the 60th minute.

Manchester City pushed for another equaliser in the closing stages, with Haaland threatening from the air. However, Ian Maatsen cleared one of the striker’s headers off the line, helping Villa preserve their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory continued Villa’s impressive recent record against City, marking their fourth consecutive home league win over the Manchester club and their fifth victory in the teams’ last seven meetings. It also coincided with the fourth anniversary of Emery’s appointment as Villa manager.

Jackson’s performance highlighted the impact of Villa’s reshaped squad following the summer transfer window. The Senegalese forward has quickly become an important attacking option, and his clinical finishing proved decisive despite Villa registering only two shots on target during the match.

Villa’s midfield also played a significant role in disrupting City’s rhythm. João Gomes and Boubacar Kamara worked effectively to break up attacks, while Suzuki made crucial saves to deny several of the visitors’ attempts. Mbaye’s contribution from the bench ultimately provided the assist for the winning goal.

For City, the defeat ended their opportunity to win their opening eight Premier League matches for the first time in the club’s history. Despite enjoying long spells of possession and creating chances, defensive mistakes proved costly. Guehi’s error led to the opening goal, while Donnarumma’s failure to stop Jackson’s second strike allowed Villa to secure the points.

The result left Manchester City three points clear at the top of the table at the time, although second-placed Arsenal had an opportunity to close the gap against Everton. Villa, meanwhile, moved into the top half of the standings after recording their first home league victory of the season.

City must now turn their attention to a busy schedule, with Brighton awaiting them in the Carabao Cup before the teams meet again in the Premier League. A later fixture against reigning champions Arsenal will provide another major test as Enzo Maresca’s side look to recover from their first league setback of the campaign.

Nicolas Jackson Brace Ends Man City’s Perfect Premier League Start

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