BREAKING: Nico Jackson Nets Brace as Aston Villa End Manchester City’s Perfect Start—-The Senegalese striker scored twice at Villa Park to hand Manchester City their first Premier League defeat of the season, despite Erling Haaland’s second-half equaliser.
Aston Villa brought Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season to an end with a 2–1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday, October 24, as Nicolas Jackson delivered a decisive brace.
City arrived seeking an eighth consecutive league victory, but Jackson struck in each half to secure all three points for Unai Emery’s side and inflict Enzo Maresca’s team with their first league defeat of the campaign.
Jackson Fires Villa in Front
Villa made a fast start and took the lead in the sixth minute after capitalising on a defensive mistake from Manchester City.
John McGinn seized the opportunity to release Jackson, who drove into the penalty area, moved past Elliot Anderson and fired a powerful finish beyond goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The early goal lifted the home crowd and forced City to chase the game. The visitors responded with increased attacking pressure, but Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced important saves to keep his side in front.
City also came close through Iliman Ndiaye, whose effort struck the post as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
Haaland Restores Parity
Manchester City’s pressure finally paid off seven minutes after the interval.
Erling Haaland rose to meet a cross from Ndiaye and powered a header into the net in the 52nd minute, bringing City level at 1–1.
The goal appeared to put the visitors in a strong position to continue their winning run, but Villa responded quickly and found another breakthrough before City could take control.
Jackson Completes His Brace
Jackson restored Villa’s advantage in the 60th minute, finishing a swift counterattacking move to put the hosts back in front.
The Senegal international converted Ibrahim Mbaye’s low pass, completing his brace and making it 2–1.
City pushed for another equaliser as the contest entered its closing stages, but Villa remained organised defensively and held on to secure a significant victory.
Villa End City’s Winning Run
The result ended Manchester City’s run of seven consecutive Premier League victories at the start of the season and handed Maresca his first league defeat in charge of the club.
For Villa, the win continued their recovery after a difficult opening to the campaign and rewarded a disciplined performance built around clinical finishing and resilient goalkeeping.
Jackson was the standout performer, with his two goals proving the difference in a contest where City enjoyed periods of pressure but could not find a second equaliser.