Aston Villa Halts Manchester City's Seven-Game Winning Streak
Nicolas Jackson scored twice to lead a 2-1 victory that ends the record start for Enzo Maresca.
By Gabriela Flores ·
The Premier League season began with a historic run for Manchester City, but that streak snapped at Villa Park on Saturday. Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for Aston Villa, securing a 2-1 win that marked the first league defeat for Manchester City under Enzo Maresca.
City’s dominance in the opening weeks had made Maresca the first manager to win his first seven Premier League matches with a new club. Villa Park proved difficult terrain for them, as the visitors have lost in each of the last four seasons at this ground. The match ended City’s perfect start, leaving them vulnerable at the top of the table.
Aston Villa struck early to control the narrative. In the sixth minute, Marc Guehi’s heavy touch set up Jackson, who cut inside Elliott Anderson and blasted a high shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The early lead allowed Villa to sit deeper and absorb pressure from a City side that dominated possession for much of the first half.
City finally broke through in the 52nd minute when Erling Haaland headed in a cross from Iliman Ndiaye. It was Haaland’s 13th goal in 10 appearances this season, but the equalizer did not last long. Exactly on the hour mark, Ibrahim Mbaye crossed the ball for Jackson, who finished low to give Villa the lead again despite a saving chance by Donnarumma.
The result keeps Arsenal in the title race. If they defeat Everton at home later on Saturday, the Gunners will move level on points with Manchester City. For Villa, the victory was their sixth win in seven games across all competitions, lifting them to sixth place in the standings.
Unai Emery’s squad has undergone major changes since the Europa League title last season. Six players who started that final left during the summer transfer window. However, new signings Jackson, Zion Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have integrated quickly. Suzuki made several key saves in the first half, denying Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Manchester City’s loss occurs while they appeal a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges regarding financial rules from 2009 to 2018. The potential sanctions include relegation, yet the team had maintained its winning record until this match. Two defensive errors in the first half and late in the second ultimately cost them the points at Villa Park.
Source: Al Jazeera
