According to a report by BBC Sport on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Aston Villa claimed an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League at Villa Park, handing Enzo Maresca's side their first league defeat of the season.

Villa made a strong start to the encounter and took the lead in the sixth minute through Nicolas Jackson, who finished brilliantly into the top-left corner after receiving a perfectly weighted pass from John McGinn.

Manchester City responded by controlling possession as they searched for an equaliser, but Villa remained organised defensively. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also made important saves to deny Rayan Cherki and Iliman Ndiaye during City's attacking spells.

Ndiaye came close to drawing City level in the 28th minute, but his powerful effort from outside the penalty area struck the left post. The visitors continued to push forward, although Villa maintained their defensive discipline until the break.

City eventually restored parity seven minutes into the second half when Erling Haaland rose inside the penalty area to head home Iliman Ndiaye's inviting cross in the 52nd minute.

Jeremy Doku nearly completed the turnaround shortly afterwards, but his effort from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target. City looked increasingly threatening, although Villa remained dangerous on the counterattack.

Jackson struck again in the 60th minute to put Villa back in front. The forward showed composure to guide the ball into the bottom-right corner after receiving an excellent pass, giving the hosts a crucial advantage.

Manchester City tried to respond through patient build-up play and sustained pressure. Josko Gvardiol headed narrowly wide in the 66th minute, while Doku continued to pose a threat as the visitors searched for another equaliser.

However, Villa stood firm against City's late attacks and prevented their opponents from finding a second goal. Despite enjoying periods of possession, Maresca's side struggled to break through the hosts' organised defence.

Villa managed the closing stages confidently to secure all three points, ending Manchester City's unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a memorable victory at Villa Park.