Jackson Brace Ends Man City’s Winning Run

Aston Villa ended Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season with a thrilling 2-1 victory at Villa Park on Saturday, powered by a brilliant brace from Nicolas Jackson.

The host side took an early lead in the sixth minute when Jackson finished a swift attacking move set up by John McGinn.

Manchester City responded early in the second half as Erling Haaland headed home Iliman Ndiaye’s 52nd-minute cross to equalise, but Villa struck back just eight minutes later.

Second-half substitute Ibrahim Mbaye delivered the decisive assist in the 60th minute, enabling Jackson to slot home his second goal and seal the win.

City manager Enzo Maresca attempted to turn the tide with tactical adjustments, introducing Phil Foden and Rico Lewis at the break alongside late tactical pushes.

However, Unai Emery’s side maintained composure through heavy second-half pressure and stoppage time, even as a flurry of bookings saw City’s Rayan Cherki, Marc Guehi, Ryan McAidoo, and Elliot Anderson alongside Villa’s Johan Manzambi, Matty Cash, and Brian Madjo receive yellow cards.

The dramatic result snapped Manchester City’s seven-match winning streak from the start of the campaign, denying them an eighth consecutive victory to open the season.

The victory extended Villa’s impressive domestic run against City to three straight Premier League wins—following triumphs in October 2025 and May 2026—and delivered a major confidence boost for 12th-placed Villa as they built on their midweek European success.