Nicolas Jackson double gives Aston Villa victory over Manchester City

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa came from in front to beat Manchester City 2-1 and end their perfect start to the Premier League season.

The result extended Unai Emery’s side’s unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches, while City missed the chance to become only the eighth team in English top-flight history to win their opening eight league games of a season.

Villa took the lead early after Marc Guehi was dispossessed inside his own penalty area. Jackson created room for himself before sending a powerful finish into the roof of the net.

Manchester City responded by applying sustained pressure, but Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made a fine save to keep out Iliman Ndiaye’s curling effort.

Suzuki was called into action again when he denied Rayan Cherki with a low shot. Ndiaye then struck the post as City continued to search for an equaliser before the interval.

The visitors eventually levelled 10 minutes into the second half. A cleverly executed free-kick created space for Ndiaye to cross towards the far post, where Erling Haaland rose above the defence to head the ball home.

City appeared to be gaining control when Suzuki tipped a powerful Josko Gvardiol strike onto the crossbar. Villa immediately responded on the counter-attack, however, and Jackson restored their lead with a low effort that went underneath Gianluigi Donnarumma.

With Manchester City pushing for another equaliser, Suzuki remained a central figure for the hosts. He reacted quickly to stop Gvardiol from turning a loose ball into the net after it fell to him inside the penalty area.

Aston Villa were made to defend deep during the closing stages as City continued to apply pressure. Emery’s players stayed organised, though, and resisted the visitors’ attempts to force an opening.

City came close to salvaging a point in the final minutes when Haaland met a cross with a header that appeared bound for the net. Ian Maatsen was in the right place to clear the ball off the line.

Villa held on to secure a valuable victory, with Jackson’s two finishes and Suzuki’s series of important saves proving decisive.

For Manchester City, the defeat ended their perfect Premier League start and denied them a place among the select group of sides to have won their first eight matches of an English top-flight campaign.