According to a report by BBC Sports 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 and strengthen their own position in the standings.

The result was a significant setback for Manchester City, who had won their opening seven league matches and entered the encounter sitting at the top of the table with 21 points. Despite the defeat, City remain on 21 points, while second-placed Arsenal have 18 points ahead of their fixture against Everton later on Saturday. 

Aston Villa made an excellent start to the encounter, with Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring in the sixth minute after taking advantage of a defensive mistake. The hosts showed determination against City's possession-based approach, while goalkeeper Suzuki made important saves to prevent the visitors from taking control of the match.

Manchester City responded after the interval, with Erling Haaland scoring in the 52nd minute to bring his team level. However, Villa restored their advantage eight minutes later when Jackson completed his brace following an impressive counterattacking move involving Ibrahim Mbaye.

City attempted to find another equaliser but struggled to break through Villa's organised defence. The home side eventually secured all three points, handing the visitors their first league defeat of the campaign. 

The standings following the final whistle, before the remaining Saturday fixtures, leave Manchester City at the summit with Arsenal three points behind. Aston Villa's victory moves them up to sixth place with 11 points, based on the standings before kickoff. 

The other teams still have opportunities to change their positions as the weekend's matches continue. Arsenal, for instance, can reduce the gap at the top by winning against Everton, while Chelsea and Tottenham are also scheduled to meet later on Saturday.

Manchester City's defeat means they can no longer maintain their 100 per cent league record. However, the result does not immediately cost them first place, and they will remain focused on responding in their next fixture.

For Aston Villa, the victory represents an important boost after a difficult opening to the campaign. Defeating the league leaders gives Unai Emery's team renewed confidence and puts them in a stronger position to compete for a place in the upper half of the table.

The attention now turns to the remaining fixtures, which could further reshape the standings before the weekend concludes.