Manchester City Falls to Aston Villa in Premier League Upset
Nicolas Jackson scored both goals as Villa defeated City 2-1, ending Maresca's perfect start to the season.
By Sanjay Ivanov ·
Manchester City suffered its first Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park. The result snapped a seven-match winning streak for the visitors and ended a run in which manager Enzo Maresca had become the first coach to win his opening seven games in charge of a new club.
Nicolas Jackson, a summer signing for Villa, scored both goals for Unai Emery’s side. The first came after just six minutes. Marc Guehi made a heavy touch that allowed Jackson to receive the ball. Jackson cut inside Elliott Anderson and fired a high shot past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City controlled possession for much of the first half but found it difficult to create clear chances. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made several saves to deny Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also struck the post before the break.
The deadlock was broken in the 52nd minute when Erling Haaland headed in a cross from Ndiaye. It was Haaland’s 13th goal in his last 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol had a chance to put City ahead moments later, but Suzuki directed his shot onto the crossbar.
Villa regained the lead in the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye broke past the City defense and crossed to Jackson. Jackson finished low, a shot that should have been stopped by Donnarumma. City pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes but could not find a way past the Villa defense.
The loss leaves City one point clear at the top of the table. Arsenal has the chance to level the standings if it defeats Everton at home later on Saturday. For Villa, the win is its sixth victory in seven games across all competitions, moving the club up to sixth place.
Emery’s squad has undergone major changes since last season. Six players who started in last year’s Europa League final departed during the transfer window. The new arrivals, including Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi, are already contributing to the team’s success. City continues to navigate an appeal against a guilty verdict on over 100 financial charges, a legal battle that could lead to sanctions including relegation.
Source: Al Jazeera
