Nicolas Jackson scores twice to end Manchester City's seven-game win streak at Aston Villa

Manchester City began the 2026-27 Premier League season with seven consecutive victories, a record for a new manager taking charge of a club. That streak ended on Saturday at Villa Park with a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa.

Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the home side. The first came in the sixth minute after a heavy touch from Marc Guehi allowed Jackson to cut inside Elliott Anderson and shoot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The second arrived in the 60th minute when Ibrahim Mbaye crossed from behind the defense and Jackson placed a low shot into the net.

Enzo Maresca, who had become the first manager to win his first seven matches in the league for a new club, saw his team create numerous chances but fail to convert them. Zion Suzuki, a new signing for Villa, made key saves to deny Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also struck the post during the first half.

Erling Haaland reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute with a header from a Ndiaye cross, marking his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol hit the crossbar shortly after, but City could not find an equalizer.

The result keeps Manchester City at the top of the table, though Arsenal can level the points total if they defeat Everton later on Saturday. The win moves Aston Villa to sixth place, marking their sixth victory in seven matches across all competitions.

Unai Emery’s tactical rebuild is showing results despite the departure of six players who started last season’s Europa League final. The summer additions of Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have provided immediate impact. City’s loss follows a period of financial scrutiny, as the 10-time champions appeal a guilty verdict on over 100 charges of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018.