Nicolas Jackson struck twice at Villa Park to hand Manchester City their first Premier League defeat of the season, as Aston Villa claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory that extended their remarkable home record against City to four consecutive wins.

Unai Emery's side delivered a disciplined, tactically astute performance — combining clinical finishing, defensive solidity, and swift counterattacking — to end the visitors' seven-match winning run at the start of the campaign.

Jackson's early strike sets the tone

The Senegalese forward wasted no time in putting Villa ahead, slotting home in the 6th minute as the hosts made a bright, energetic start. City were immediately forced onto the back foot, struggling to impose their usual rhythm.

Erling Haaland drew the visitors level in the 52nd minute, converting to restore parity and setting up a tense final half-hour at Villa Park.

Jackson seals a famous win

Any hope City harboured of snatching a point was quickly extinguished when Jackson struck for a second time on the hour mark, restoring Villa's lead and sending the home supporters into raptures.

Despite controlling possession for long stretches and creating several openings, Enzo Maresca's men could not find the breakthrough they needed against a resolute Villa defence.

Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was instrumental in preserving the win, producing key stops to deny City a second equaliser, while Villa's backline held firm under sustained pressure to seal three vital points.

The result marks a significant statement from Emery's side — and a rare stumble for a City team that had looked in ominous form heading into the fixture.