According to a report by BBC Sport on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park, ending the visitors' perfect start to the Premier League season.

Nicolas Jackson scored twice for Unai Emery's side, extending Villa's unbeaten run across all competitions to seven matches. The defeat also ended City's hopes of winning their opening eight league fixtures of the campaign.

Villa took an early lead after Marc Guehi lost possession in a dangerous area. Jackson took advantage of the mistake, drove into the penalty area, beat Elliot Anderson and fired the ball into the roof of the net to put the hosts ahead.

Manchester City responded by increasing the pressure on Villa's defence. Iliman Ndiaye tested goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with a curling effort from the right, but the Japanese shot-stopper produced an excellent save. Suzuki later denied Rayan Cherki after the French midfielder received a pass from Jeremy Doku.

Ndiaye came close to equalising before half-time when he cut inside and curled a shot towards the far post, only for his effort to strike the woodwork.

City eventually restored parity less than 10 minutes into the second half. A well-worked free-kick allowed Ndiaye to deliver a precise cross towards the far post, where Erling Haaland rose above the defence to head home.

The visitors continued to push forward and nearly took the lead when Josko Gvardiol unleashed a powerful strike. However, Suzuki reacted brilliantly to tip the ball onto the crossbar.

Villa made City pay for that missed opportunity by regaining the lead minutes later. Jackson completed his brace with a low shot that slipped beneath Gianluigi Donnarumma, putting the hosts back in front.

Suzuki continued to play a key role, reacting quickly to stop Gvardiol from converting a loose ball inside the penalty area.

City pressed for another equaliser in the closing stages, but Villa defended strongly. Haaland came close with a late header, only for Ian Maatsen to clear the ball off the goal line.

Villa held on until the final whistle to secure an important victory, while City suffered their first league defeat of the season.