Following a tricky start to the campaign reminiscent of last term, Aston Villa are now firing on all cylinders. They overpowered City courtesy of a clinical display from Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese forward bagged a brace, rendering inconsequential the ninth Premier League goal of the season from Erling Haaland, who was returning from injury.

Jackson, who had registered just two league goals across the opening six rounds, broke the deadlock after only six minutes following a glaring error by Marc Guehi. The centre-back miscontrolled an Enzo Fernandez pass, opening the door for John McGinn to square into the striker's path. Jackson sat Elliot Anderson down and drilled past Gianluigi Donnarumma, though the strike flew fairly centrally, prompting scrutiny over whether the Italian goalkeeper could have done better. Any lingering doubts were emphatically settled with Villa's second, as another Jackson strike squirmed underneath Donnarumma—this time leaving the shot-stopper indisputably at fault.

Earlier, Haaland had temporarily restored parity with a trademark header. Deep into stoppage time, the Norwegian had another golden chance to level matters and rob Unai Emery's men of two points, but Ian Maatsen produced an invaluable goal-line clearance.

The points remained at Villa Park, where Emery has not tasted defeat since 12 September against Nottingham Forest. Following an impressive run over the past month, Villa sit sixth on 11 points, closing in on the Champions League berths and trailing them by just two points before the rest of the matchday concludes.

Manchester City will remain at the summit for another round thanks to a three-point cushion over Arsenal and a far superior goal difference, but Enzo Maresca's side have seen their unbeaten record shattered.