Jackson's double ends Manchester City's perfect Premier League start at Aston Villa

Manchester City lost their unbeaten record in the Premier League as Aston Villa punished a series of defensive mistakes at Villa Park. Nicolas Jackson scored twice to end Enzo Maresca's perfect start and remind the champions just how quickly things can change. Erling Haaland found the net for the visitors, but his goal proved little more than a footnote on a frustrating afternoon.

• Nicolas Jackson struck twice to fire Aston Villa to a statement win over Manchester City.
• Manchester City suffered their first Premier League defeat and a fourth in a row at Villa Park.
• Erling Haaland scored his 13th goal of the season but could not rescue his side.
• Errors from Marc Guéhi and Gianluigi Donnarumma proved decisive for the visitors.

Jackson pounces on City's defensive mistakes at Villa Park

Aston Villa flew out of the blocks and City looked rattled from the opening whistle. The pressure was so intense that the champions conceded a corner after being penalised for taking too long over a goal kick. That early anxiety soon found its way onto the scoreboard: in the sixth minute, Marc Guéhi miscontrolled a pass from Rúben Dias and Jackson pounced to fire a powerful shot past the goalkeeper.

It was the kind of error that had already cost City goals in previous weeks, and once again Guéhi was left exposed. The defender simply could not handle Jackson's pace and physicality, a mismatch that shaped much of the contest.

Aston Villa hold firm and threaten on the break

City responded with long spells of possession and camped around the Villa box. Iliman Ndiaye had a penalty appeal waved away and hit the post, while Rayan Cherki was denied by the quick reflexes of Zion Suzuki. Yet every visiting turnover felt dangerous: Jackson's battle with Guéhi was becoming increasingly one-sided, and the defender was booked for hauling him down on the edge of the area before being replaced at half-time.

Villa defended with discipline and commitment, closing down space superbly and showing exactly why they sat second in the Champions League standings with three wins from three. The mid-table label some had attached to them before kick-off felt like ancient history.

Haaland levels before Villa strike again

City's persistence paid off in the 53rd minute. Ndiaye got the better of Ian Maatsen and delivered a cross that Haaland finally managed to meet, heading home from close range for his 13th goal of the season. Keeping the Norwegian quiet for an entire match remains one of the hardest tasks in football.

At 1-1, City looked ready to take control. Josko Gvardiol and Doku both went close, but once again the visitors switched off. Villa needed no second invitation, moving the ball quickly from back to front as Jackson released Ibrahim Mbaye before getting on the end of the return cross. Donnarumma should have done better, allowing the shot to slip beneath him.

Manchester City lose their way in the closing stages

Maresca turned to academy trio Phil Foden, Rico Lewis and Ryan McAidoo in search of a response. The young substitutes injected energy, but the chase brought a loss of composure: misplaced passes and crosses, needless bookings, and a fading sense of control as the minutes ticked away.

Jackson left the pitch to a standing ovation with eight minutes remaining. Haaland had one late chance to rescue a point, but Maatsen cleared off the line to ensure Jackson and Villa walked away with the glory.

What this defeat means for Manchester City

The loss ends a run of seven straight Premier League wins and halts the flawless start to Enzo Maresca's reign. The Italian coach had won every league match since taking charge, but at Villa Park he ran into a side with a clear plan and the execution to match it.

Even more troubling for the champions is the familiarity of the venue: this was a fourth consecutive defeat for City at Villa Park. Beyond the dropped points, the defensive fragility on display and the way both goals were gifted will concern Maresca as he looks to keep his team in the title race.