Jackson double ends Man City’s perfect Premier League run as Villa win 2-1

Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park in a Premier League match on October 24, 2026, with Nicolas Jackson scoring in each half to end City’s perfect start to the season. The result handed Enzo Maresca’s side a home victory and deprived City of a flawless league record.

Manchester City remain top of the Premier League on 21 points despite the setback, while Aston Villa moved up to sixth on 11 points after securing their first league win at Villa Park this season. The victory was Villa’s third successive league win over City. The match took place amid turmoil for City following a guilty verdict on 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules, a case the club has denied any wrongdoing in.

Jackson opened the scoring in the sixth minute after capitalising on errors by City; defender Marc Guehi’s heavy touch allowed Villa captain John McGinn to pounce and feed Jackson, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner. That early strike put the hosts ahead and set the tone for a high-tempo opening period.

Erling Haaland levelled soon after the break, heading home Iliman Ndiaye’s clipped cross from a free kick to make it 1-1. The equaliser came quickly after the interval and restored parity between the teams.

On the hour Jackson restored Villa’s lead when Ibrahim Mbaye surged down the right and cut the ball back for his Senegal teammate, whose shot sneaked under Gianluigi Donnarumma’s dive. That finish proved decisive for the home side.

Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki produced a string of brilliant saves that helped preserve the lead and secure the win. Suzuki’s intervention in key moments maintained Villa’s advantage until the final whistle.

The defeat opens the door for Arsenal to draw level with Manchester City later on Saturday when they host Everton with the chance to erase a three-point gap.