Nicolas Jackson delivered a decisive performance as Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1, scoring twice to condemn the visitors to their first defeat of the season and their first league loss under Enzo Maresca.
The Senegalese striker opened the scoring in the sixth minute after a costly error from Marc Guehi allowed John McGinn to seize possession and set him up. Jackson kept his composure, picked his spot and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give Villa an early lead.
Jackson completed his brace in the 61st minute, finishing clinically after fellow Senegal international Ibrahim Mbaye made an immediate impact off the bench. Mbaye surged down the right flank before cutting the ball back into Jackson’s path, allowing the forward to fire past Gianluigi Donnarumma and restore Villa’s advantage.
The double took Jackson’s tally to six goals in all competitions this season, leaving him behind only Erling Haaland, who has scored 12 among Premier League players. His growing influence has been central to an encouraging campaign, with the striker showing both composure in front of goal and an ability to deliver in crucial moments.
The victory also extended Aston Villa’s remarkable home record against Manchester City, marking their fourth consecutive season beating the Manchester club on home soil. For Jackson, the performance further underlined his importance to Villa as they look to build momentum and challenge the league’s leading sides.
