Enzo Maresca had become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League games in charge of a new club but failed to find a solution to City’s struggles at Villa Park, where they have now lost for the past four seasons. After Jackson blasted home the opener after just six minutes, Villa relied on a brilliant goalkeeping display from Zion Suzuki to keep City at bay. Manchester City’s perfect Premier League start came to a crashing halt in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa as Nicolas Jackson’s double extended an upturn in form for Unai Emery’s new-look side.
Four years on from Emery’s arrival, which has transformed the club from a sleeping giant into the Champions League, the Spaniard is working more magic despite seeing the spine of his squad in recent seasons decimated. Six of the side that started Villa’s victory in last season’s Europa League final left during the transfer window.
Until now City have managed to shrug off the cloud hanging over the club’s Premier League future to keep winning on the field. City’s pressure finally told on 52 minutes when Haaland powered in a header from Ndiaye’s cross for his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season.
“I think we deserved more from the game for the amount of chances that we created and for the chances we conceded,” said Maresca.
