2-1 Loss at Villa Ends City's Seven-Game League Winning Streak

Manchester City entered the match at Villa Park holding the distinction of winning their first seven Premier League games under new manager Enzo Maresca. That record ended on Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.

The visitors conceded early. In the sixth minute, a heavy touch by Marc Guehi allowed Nicolas Jackson to receive the ball. Jackson cut inside Elliott Anderson and fired a high shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma to give the home side the lead.

City dominated possession for the remainder of the first half but lacked cutting edge. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made key saves against Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov. Ndiaye also struck the post before halftime.

The deadlock broke in the 52nd minute. Erling Haaland headed home Ndiaye's cross to pull City level. This marked Haaland's 13th goal in his first 10 appearances this season. Moments later, Josko Gvardiol forced Suzuki to push a powerful drive onto the crossbar.

Jackson restored Villa's lead in the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye crossed from behind the defense, and Jackson placed a low shot that Donnarumma failed to stop. City pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes but could not find a way past the Villa defense.

The result places pressure on Arsenal, who can move level on points with City if they defeat Everton later on Saturday. Villa improved to sixth place in the table, marking their sixth win in seven matches across all competitions.

Unai Emery's squad has undergone substantial changes. Six players who started last season's Europa League final departed during the summer transfer window. New arrivals Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have contributed to the team's recent success.

City continues to navigate off-field challenges. The club is appealing a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018. Potential sanctions include relegation, though the defeat at Villa Park was attributed by observers to two defensive errors rather than the ongoing legal battle.