According to a report by BBC Sport on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park to end the visitors' perfect start to the Premier League season.

Nicolas Jackson scored twice for Unai Emery's side, who extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to seven matches. The result also denied Manchester City the opportunity to win their opening eight league games of the campaign.

Villa made an immediate impact, taking the lead after Marc Guehi lost possession in a dangerous area. Jackson capitalised on the mistake, worked his way into the penalty area and fired into the roof of the net to put the hosts ahead.

Manchester City responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Iliman Ndiaye tested Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki with a curling effort towards the far post, forcing an impressive save. Suzuki was called into action again to deny Rayan Cherki after Jeremy Doku created an opportunity inside the box.

Ndiaye came close to restoring parity before the interval when he cut inside from the right and attempted another curling effort, but his shot struck the post. Villa maintained their advantage at half-time despite City's sustained attacking pressure.

The visitors drew level within 10 minutes of the restart. A cleverly worked free-kick created the opportunity for Ndiaye to deliver a cross towards the far post, where Erling Haaland rose to head the ball into the net.

City threatened to take control when Josko Gvardiol unleashed a powerful strike, but Suzuki produced another crucial save to tip the ball onto the crossbar.

Villa responded with the decisive goal minutes later. Jackson's low drive slipped beneath goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, restoring the hosts' lead and completing his brace.

Suzuki continued to frustrate City's attackers, reacting quickly to prevent Gvardiol from converting a loose ball inside the penalty area. Aston Villa then defended resolutely as the visitors searched desperately for another equaliser.

Haaland came close to rescuing a point in the closing stages, but Ian Maatsen cleared his header off the goal line to preserve Villa's advantage.