Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park, handing Pep Guardiola’s side their first Premier League defeat of the 2026/27 season.
Manchester City’s perfect start to the Premier League season came to an end on Saturday after Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.
Nicolas Jackson scored twice for Unai Emery’s side, while Erling Haaland found the net for City. The defeat ended City’s run of seven consecutive league victories.
Jackson punishes City’s defensive errors
Villa made a fast start and took the lead in the sixth minute. Jackson capitalised on a defensive mistake involving Marc Guéhi before finishing past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City responded with greater attacking pressure but struggled to find an equaliser before half-time. Iliman Ndiaye came close when his effort struck the post.
Haaland eventually brought City level in the 52nd minute, heading home Ndiaye’s cross for his ninth Premier League goal of the campaign.
However, Villa restored their advantage in the 60th minute. Jackson completed his brace after receiving a low pass from substitute Ibrahim Mbaye. Donnarumma appeared to have a chance to stop the effort but could not keep it out.
City pushed for another equaliser but Villa defended resolutely to secure all three points.
What the defeat means for Manchester City
The result ends City’s seven-match winning run in the Premier League and delivers a setback to their title campaign.
City had collected 21 points from their opening seven league matches. Their first league defeat raises the possibility of a change at the top of the table, depending on other results.
For Villa, the victory strengthens their momentum under Emery and continues their impressive recent record against City.
City must now respond quickly if they are to maintain their title challenge.
