Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League campaign comes to a halt as their bogey team strikes again, with a revived Aston Villa securing a 2-1 win to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Emery taking charge in style.

Remarkably, the hosts get the better of City at Villa Park for the fourth consecutive year, with Jackson’s clinical brace deciding an end-to-end clash.

Oozing confidence from his recent exploits, the Senegal striker put Villa ahead early on.

Haaland then headed home an equaliser midway through the second half, but Donnarumma made a costly error by letting a low shot squirm under his frame.

Following that, Emery’s side had to sit back and absorb pressure, with Gvardiol and Haaland both coming close, but they held firm to beat City for the fifth time in seven league matches despite trailing 1.79 to 0.61 on xG.

Villa climb into the top six, temporarily at least, while Maresca’s men risk being caught on 21 points by Arsenal later today.

City now face a tough EFL Cup and Premier League double against in-form Brighton, whereas Villa’s next test is a tricky cup fixture against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.

That wraps things up from Birmingham, thanks for following along and goodbye!

YELLOW CARD!

Buendia brings down Lewis to halt City’s final attack, picking up a booking deep into stoppage time.

Anderson floats a delivery into the box, picking out Haaland.

He shakes off his marker, but fails to get enough power behind his header, allowing Suzuki to drop down and make a straightforward stop.

Four minutes left on the clock for Villa to close this out with another victory over Manchester City nearly in their grasp.

Can the Premier League leaders conjure some stoppage-time magic to save their unbeaten run?

CHANCE!

City nearly make it 2-2 as Haaland steers a header goalward, but Maatsen clears it away!

Positioned just two yards from the goalline, the Villa left-back nods the ball to safety — with Suzuki lurking right behind him, though he had no idea!

Gvardiol deals effectively with Madjo out wide just as Aston Villa attempt to piece together a promising attack.

Ever since Jackson’s second goal, the hosts have hardly ventured into the final third.

Since 2025, a player has attempted 17 or more dribbles in a Premier League match on just three occasions — and Doku owns every single one.

That’s 21 against Liverpool in February 2025, 19 against Brighton in March 2025, and now 17 against Aston Villa today.

His latest surge gets the better of Kamara, but Foden’s 20-yard effort is subsequently blocked.

YELLOW CARD!

Shortly after coming on from the bench, Madjo is booked for barging over Khusanov.

SUB: Madjo replaces Jackson.

Already known across Europe for his UEFA Super Cup brace against PSG, Madjo is fit again and steps out for his Premier League debut in place of Villa’s potential match-winner.

City have bumped their possession stats from 59% to 64% this half, controlling the territorial battle.

Even so, Villa’s rearguard is standing firm as the hosts edge nearer to the finish line.

Summing up their fortunes since falling behind once more, City squander an attack down the left flank.

Doku’s low through ball is overhit for Haaland and drifts harmlessly out of play over the byline.

City’s only blemish in their previous 11 outings was a home defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, yet a first Premier League loss of the season now threatens.

Should they fail to mount a response at Villa Park, Arsenal could join them on 21 points in just a few hours.

YELLOW CARD!

McAidoo goes into the book for hauling back his opponent.

Buendia’s quick pass was threatening to release Maatsen into City’s half, leaving the referee with a simple call.

YELLOW CARD!

Anderson gives up possession and throws himself into a clumsy tackle, catching Joao Gomes on the ankle.

A clear-cut booking.

Opta’s live win predictor rates Manchester City’s win prospects at a mere 9 percent, while Aston Villa command 63 percent.

Can the Villans successfully see this out to secure three consecutive wins against the current Premier League leaders?

SUB: After hitting the post and setting up Haaland’s goal, Ndiaye’s productive afternoon comes to an early end.

McAidoo replaces him for the final stretch.

SO CLOSE!

City nearly get their equaliser!

Doku fires a low cross from the left that hits Buendia and drops directly into Gvardiol’s path.

Just as the attack-minded defender looks ready to poke it home, Suzuki leaves his line to make a crucial smothering save!

SUB: Aston Villa captain McGinn makes way after adding yet another assist to his tally.

Barkley steps into the midfield to replace him, having netted four times overall this term without opening his Premier League account.

Back in front, Aston Villa drop into a rigid 4-4-2 block to frustrate City.

Even so, the visitors carve out their initial corner of the second half.

Enzo Fernandez floats it over, but Gvardiol’s header flies harmlessly wide of the left post.

Could this worrying pattern give Maresca something to think about?

City have now let in three goals during the opening 15 minutes of the second half, meaning only Sunderland (five) and Crystal Palace (four) have conceded more in the Premier League this season.

Jackson floats a long ball into acres of space for Mbaye, who immediately feeds Villa’s in-form striker on the edge of the box.

He has only been on the pitch a matter of seconds!