Nicolas Jackson scores twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester City

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park, handing the Premier League leaders their first defeat of the season in the eighth round of fixtures.

The Senegalese striker opened the scoring in the sixth minute before delivering the decisive goal after Manchester City had drawn level through Erling Haaland in the second half.

Jackson’s brace continued his impressive form for Aston Villa, taking his tally to six goals in his last six games for the club. He had also scored twice against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League before producing another double against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Aston Villa made an early breakthrough when Jackson finished a pass from John McGinn to put the hosts ahead after just six minutes. The early goal gave Unai Emery’s side an advantage they maintained until half-time.

Manchester City returned from the break looking to get back into the contest and found their equaliser in the 52nd minute. Haaland finished a move created by Iliman Ndiaye to bring the visitors level at 1-1.

The goal appeared to give Manchester City renewed momentum as they looked to preserve their perfect start to the league campaign.

However, Aston Villa responded through Jackson, who struck again shortly after Ibrahim Mbaye came on as a substitute. Mbaye provided the assist, allowing the striker to complete his brace and restore the hosts’ lead.

Manchester City were unable to find another equaliser despite their efforts in the closing stages, leaving them to suffer their first league defeat of the campaign after winning their opening seven matches.

Jackson leads Aston Villa to a crucial victory

Jackson’s performance proved decisive for Aston Villa, with the striker delivering at both ends of the contest to secure all three points for his side.

The forward has now scored four goals in the Premier League and three in the Champions League this season, underlining his growing contribution across competitions.

His latest double also extended his scoring run to six goals in six games for Aston Villa, following his previous brace against Fenerbahçe in European competition.

For Manchester City, the defeat ended a seven-match winning start to the Premier League season. They had entered the fixture unbeaten but could not find a response after Jackson restored Aston Villa’s advantage.

Aston Villa climb the Premier League table

The victory gave Aston Villa a significant boost in the league standings, with Emery’s side provisionally moving up six places.

Jackson’s goals proved the difference in a match that saw Manchester City recover from an early setback before conceding again in the second half.

Aston Villa held on to their lead to secure a 2-1 win at Villa Park, while Jackson continued his excellent start to the campaign with another match-winning performance.

The result marked a major setback for Manchester City, whose unbeaten run came to an end against an Aston Villa side inspired by the Senegalese striker.