Aston Villa stun Man City as Jackson strikes twice

By Tosin Omojola

Nicolas Jackson scored twice to end Manchester City’s 100 per cent winning start to the Premier League season as Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory over the champions.

City had won their first seven league matches but suffered their first defeat of the campaign against a Villa side with an impressive recent record against them.

The victory was Villa’s fifth in their last seven meetings with City and their fourth consecutive home win against them. It also came on the fourth anniversary of Unai Emery’s appointment as Villa manager.

Villa captain John McGinn capitalised on a poor touch by City defender Marc Guehi to release Jackson, who turned inside Elliot Anderson before firing high past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the hosts the lead.

Iliman Ndiaye struck the post as City pushed for an equaliser, which eventually arrived early in the second half when Erling Haaland rose highest to head home Ndiaye’s cross from the right.

However, the visitors’ celebrations were short-lived, as Villa restored their lead just eight minutes later. Jackson met substitute Ibrahim Mbaye’s low cross with a first-time effort that beat Donnarumma under his left hand.

Haaland threatened again late in the game with a goalbound header, but Ian Maatsen cleared the ball to safety as Villa held on to claim their first home league victory of the season.

Despite the defeat, City remain three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Second-placed Arsenal have a chance to close the gap when they host Everton, while Villa’s victory lifts them into the top half of the standings.