Aston Villa v Man City
Play By Play
Manchester City's flawless start to the Premier League season finally ends, as the leaders are beaten by their bogey side once again: a revived Aston Villa win it 2-1, celebrating the fourth anniversary of Emery's arrival in some style. Remarkably, the hosts defeat City at Villa Park for a fourth straight season, and this time Jackson's clinical brace proves the difference in a cut-and-thrust contest. Bristling with confidence from his recent feats, the Senegal striker fired Villa in front early on, before cancelling out Haaland's headed leveller midway through the second half: Donnarumma let a low drive squirm under his big frame, and that was a very costly mistake. Thereafter, Emery's men had to sit back and absorb pressure, with Gvardiol and Haaland both coming close, but they held on and beat City for a fifth time in seven league meetings, despite trailing 1.79 to 0.61 on xG. While Villa have - at least temporarily - moved into the top six, Maresca's side could be caught on 21 points by Arsenal before the day is out. They now face a tough EFL Cup and Premier League double against in-form Brighton, while Villa's next fixture is a tricky cup tie against Bournemouth on Wednesday night. That's all from Birmingham, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
FULL-TIME: ASTON VILLA 2-1 MANCHESTER CITY
Trying to stop City mounting one last attack, Buendia cuts down Lewis and picks up a very late yellow card.
Anderson's floated ball into the box does manage to find Haaland, who successfully shrugs off his marker but can't generate enough power on his header. Registering yet another save, Suzuki drops down to make a very straightforward stop.
Villa only have four more minutes to negotiate, as another win over Manchester City moves within touching distance. Can the Premier League leaders find some stoppage-time inspiration and preserve their unbeaten record?
CHANCE! City come close to making it 2-2! Haaland's header is cleared away by Maatsen! Standing just two yards in front of the goal-line, Villa's left-back nods the ball clear - Suzuki was also lurking behind him, but he wasn't to know that!
Gvardiol does well to deal with Madjo on the wing, just as Aston Villa begin to build a promising attack. Since Jackson's second goal, the hosts have barely entered the final third.
There have only been three instances of a player attempting 17+ dribbles in a Premier League match since 2025, with Doku being responsible for all three: 21 vs Liverpool in February 2025, 19 vs Brighton in March 2025 and 17 against Aston Villa today. His latest run sees off the attention of Kamara, but Foden's 20-yard shot is then blocked.
Soon after arriving from the bench, Madjo barges over Khusanov and receives a yellow card.
Goretzka will add some valuable experience to Aston Villa's midfield, taking the place of Joao Gomes.
Already known around Europe due to his brace against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup, Madjo is fit again and finally makes his Premier League debut. He'll replace Villa's potential match-winner, Jackson.
Man City have upped their possession share from 59% to 64% during this second half, and they're certainly dominating in terms of territory. However, Aston Villa's defence has been rock-solid so far, and the hosts are inching ever closer towards the finish line.
Summing up their fortunes since falling behind again, City waste an opening down the left wing. Doku places his low throughball too far ahead of Haaland, and it trickles harmlessly over the byline.
Man City’s only defeat in their last 11 games came at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, but they're now facing a first Premier League loss of the campaign. If they fail to hit back at Villa Park, Arsenal could join them on 21 points in just a few hours time.
When Buendia's quick pass looks set to send Maatsen away into City's half, McAidoo drags his opponent back. Once again, the referee hardly has a choice to make - it's another yellow card.
Never likely to win the ball, Anderson loses possession and lunges into a reactive tackle. He catches Joao Gomes on the ankle, and that's a clear yellow card.
Checking in with Opta's live win predictor, Manchester City's chance of victory has shrunk to just 9% now, compared to a healthy 63% for Aston Villa. So, can the Villans hold on and make it three straight wins against the current Premier League leaders?
Having hit the post and teed up Haaland's goal, Ndiaye ends a productive shift early. McAidoo will take his place for the closing stages.
CLOSE! City nearly snatch an equaliser! Doku's low cross from the left strikes an unwitting Buendia and runs straight into Gvardiol's path. Just as the attack-minded defender looks set to poke the ball home, Suzuki leaves his line and makes a crucial smothering save!
With another assist to his name, Aston Villa captain McGinn is also withdrawn. Barkley - who has already scored four goals this season, but none in the Premier League - will replace him in midfield.
More fresh legs are required, so Villa send on two further subs. First, Manzambi makes way for Buendia.
Having reclaimed the lead, Aston Villa are settling back into a deep 4-4-2 block, trying to keep City at arm's length. However, the visitors force their first corner since half-time, which Enzo Fernandez delivers before Gvardiol heads well wide of the left-hand post.
Is this a trend to cause Maresca some concern? Manchester City have now shipped three goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half; only Sunderland (five) and Crystal Palace (four) have conceded more in the Premier League this season.
Having been played into acres of space by Jackson's long ball, Mbaye returns possession to Villa's in-form striker with a pass to the edge of the box. He's only been on the pitch for a matter of seconds!
GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! JACKSON STRIKES AGAIN! Aston Villa are back in front: they lead 2-1 at a buoyant Villa Park! Moments after leaving the bench, Mbaye races into space on the right and is well found by Jackson. The Senegalese striker then takes possession back from his international colleague, before burying a low finish beneath Donnarumma! Perhaps the big goalkeeper could've done better there? The home fans don't care!
