Nicolas Jackson's double sinks City at Villa Park

Nicolas Jackson scored two goals to end Manchester City's perfect start to the Premier League season. The striker put Aston Villa ahead in the sixth minute after Marc Guehi made a heavy touch that allowed Jackson to cut inside Elliott Anderson. He blasted a high shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

City controlled possession for much of the first half but could not find a way past Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov were all denied by Suzuki, who also kept Ndiaye's shot from hitting the net after it struck the post. The visitors managed to level the score in the 52nd minute when Erling Haaland headed in a cross from Ndiaye. That goal marked Haaland's 13th in 10 appearances this season.

Villa regained the lead exactly one hour into the match. Ibrahim Mbaye received a pass behind the City defense and crossed the ball to Jackson. The Senegal international fired a low shot that Donnarumma failed to save. Josko Gvardiol came close to restoring City's lead shortly after Jackson's first goal, but his drive hit the crossbar after Suzuki made a save.

The result marks City's third straight defeat at Villa Park. Enzo Maresca had previously become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League matches for a new club. He could not replicate that form on this matchday, as two defensive errors from his team allowed Villa to take the points.

Aston Villa moved into sixth place with the win, which was their sixth victory in seven games across all competitions. Manager Unai Emery has maintained the club's upward trajectory since arriving four years ago, transforming them into a Champions League team despite losing six players who started last season's Europa League final during the transfer window.

The summer acquisitions of Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have proven effective for Villa. Arsenal has the opportunity to match City on points at the top of the table if they defeat Everton later on Saturday. Manchester City remains focused on the pitch despite an ongoing appeal against a guilty verdict on over 100 charges of financial rule violations between 2009 and 2018, which could result in sanctions including relegation.