BIRMINGHAM — Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday, handing the league leaders their first defeat of the season.
Jackson opened the scoring in the sixth minute from a John McGinn pass. Erling Haaland levelled for City in the 52nd minute, heading in Iliman Ndiaye's cross, before Jackson restored Villa's lead on the hour from substitute Ibrahim Mbaye's pass.
City finished with 63 per cent of the possession and seven shots on target to Villa's two, but both of Villa's shots on target went in and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made six saves. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma did not make a save.
City had won their first seven league matches. They stay top on goal difference after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton later Saturday drew the champions level on 21 points.
The win lifts Villa, who started the day in 12th place, up to sixth, and it is City's fourth straight league defeat at Villa Park.