Manchester City ‘s perfect Premier League start came to a crashing halt in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa as Nicolas Jackson’s double extended an upturn in form for Unai Emery’s new-look side.
Enzo Maresca had become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League games in charge of a new club but failed to find a solution to City’s struggles at Villa Park, where they have now lost for the past four seasons. Four years on from Emery’s arrival, which has transformed the club from a sleeping giant into the Champions League, the Spaniard is working more magic despite seeing the spine of his squad in recent seasons decimated.
City’s pressure finally told on 52 minutes when Haaland powered in a header from Ndiaye’s cross for his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Until now City have managed to shrug off the cloud hanging over the club’s Premier League future to keep winning on the field. A heavy touch by Marc Guehi presented Jackson with possession for the opening goal as he cut inside Elliott Anderson and blasted high past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Instead, it was Villa to got the decisive third goal.
The visitors pressed in vain for another equaliser to allow Arsenal the chance to move level on points at the top of the table when they host Everton later on Saturday.
