Aston Villa ended Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2–1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday, October 24, as Nicolas Jackson scored twice to secure three points for the hosts.

Manchester City arrived in Birmingham having won their opening seven league matches under manager Enzo Maresca. However, defensive errors and Villa’s clinical finishing brought that winning run to an end.

Jackson opened the scoring in the sixth minute after City defender Marc Guéhi miscontrolled a pass while the visitors attempted to build from the back. John McGinn took advantage of the mistake and played Jackson through, allowing the striker to cut inside before firing past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City responded by increasing the pressure and creating several opportunities. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made important saves to deny Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye, while Ndiaye also struck the post as the visitors searched for an equaliser.

Manchester City drew level in the 52nd minute. Following a well-worked free-kick, Ndiaye delivered a cross into the penalty area and Erling Haaland headed the ball into the net, scoring his ninth league goal of the season, according to Manchester City’s match report.

Villa restored their advantage in the 60th minute. Jackson helped release substitute Ibrahim Mbaye down the right, then moved into position to receive the return ball. Mbaye pulled the ball back into the penalty area, and Jackson’s first-time shot slipped beneath Donnarumma to make it 2–1.

City continued to push forward in search of another goal. Suzuki produced further important interventions, while defender Ian Maatsen cleared a late Haaland effort off the line to preserve Villa’s lead.

The victory marked Villa’s first home win in the Premier League this season and their fourth consecutive home league victory over Manchester City.

For City, the defeat ended a seven-match winning run in the league and their unbeaten start to the campaign. Despite creating several chances and spending extended periods in Villa’s half, the visitors could not find a second equaliser.

Jackson’s brace proved decisive, while Villa’s defensive resilience helped them withstand City’s late pressure and secure an important home victory.

The result gives Villa renewed momentum in their Premier League campaign, while Manchester City must regroup after suffering their first league defeat of the season.