Manchester City suffered their first Premier League defeat under Enzo Maresca as Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory. Nicolas Jackson scored in each half, capitalising on individual errors from the Blues.
Jackson struck within the opening six minutes after Villa exploited a Marc Guehi mistake in possession. An open first half saw chances for both sides, with Iliman Ndiaye among City's brightest performers.
Second-Half Fightback Falls Short
Ndiaye crossed early in the second half for Erling Haaland to equalise. City gained momentum but were caught out by a speedy Villa break, with Jackson leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma flailing for his second goal.
Maresca's side had 20 minutes to level again but could not find another goal.
Player Ratings from the Manchester Evening News
Donnarumma: Conceded a corner after taking too long for a goal kick and was poor for the second goal. 5
Khusanov: Looked much better in the middle than at right-back. 6
Dias: Made important interceptions and kept City together when Villa threatened. 6
Guehi: Another costly error, and Maresca did not give him the second half to atone. 4
Gvardiol: Nearly scored one minute, then Mbaye got in behind to set up Villa's second. 6
Anderson: Positive and progressive passing to get City moving, and stood up to the physical challenge. 7
Fernandez: Looked all over the place in the first half as Villa ripped through midfield, but improved after changes. 6
Cherki: A few flashes but could not get going, and the open midfield needed a change. 5
Ndiaye: A really strong first half but tired as the second went on. 7
Doku: Saw plenty of the ball and got into promising positions, but the final decision never worked out. 6
Haaland: Took his goal well but had few other opportunities. 7
Substitutes' Contributions
Foden (for Cherki, 46): Solid contribution, though no goal. 6
Lewis (for Guehi, 46): Linked well with Ndiaye and then McAidoo. 6
McAidoo (for Ndiaye, 69): Lots of running at the Villa defence. 6
Not used: Rulli, Ait-Nouri, Reis, O'Reilly, Bouaddi, Kovacic.
