Jackson shines as Aston Villa end Man City’s unbeaten start
Nicolas Jackson scored a brace to lead Aston Villa to a 2-1 win over Man City at the Villa Park on Saturday.
The defeat ended Manchester City’s unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Premier League season after they raced to the top of the table by winning their first seven matches.
Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for the hosts with a clinical finish in the sixth minute after he was played in by John McGinn, who took of a mistake by Marc Guehi.
Iliman Ndiaye’s effort hit the bar as Man City went in search for an equaliser, but they were not able to find the net as the first half ended in favour of Aston Villa.
Erling Haaland restored parity for Man City with a thumping header from Ndiaye’s pinpoint cross seven minutes after the restart.
Aston Villa broke away following a swift counter-attacking move started by Nicolas Jackson.
Read Also: Dubois says he wants to fight Itauma ‘sooner’ after TKO win against Wardley
The Senegalese forward finished off the move with a powerful shot that went underneath Gianluigi Donnarumma to give Aston Villa a 2-1 lead eight minute after City’s equaliser.
Aston Villa held on to seal their first home win of the season and their fourth consecutive win at home against Man City.
Unai Emery was full of praises for his Aston Villa players on the back of victories against Fenerbache and Viking in the Champions League.
He said: “We planned this match, trying to keep the same consistencies and demands. After our two wins against Fenerbahce and Viking, how we responded, some players were fresh today was a match for them — like Kamara and Cash. This is the level we want to achieve and keep. High demands.
“Today was a really good test. I was so excited for this test, how we were facing them. After the match, progressively getting better. Eventually, the players will have a good impact when we need them. Today is one step forward clear, clear understanding.”
Similarly, Nicolas Jackson was delighted with the team’s performance against Man City.
He said: “Important win. We got the win today, fought very well as a team and very happy.
“Just trying to work for the team – try to finish and score goals for the team. Very happy with the two goals, and the win is the most important.
“We know they are a very strong team. They have some of the best players in the world and its not easy to play against them. We tried to play with personality.”
Aston Villa will return to action against Bournemouth in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday, while Man City will hope to bounce back when they face Brighton in the same competition on the same day.
