Maresca's record ends in Villa Park

Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday, stopping the visitors' seven-game winning streak in the Premier League. Nicolas Jackson scored both goals for the home side, which is now sixth in the table.

City manager Enzo Maresca had won his first seven matches in charge of the club. That record ended when Villa struck after six minutes. Marc Guehi made a heavy touch that put the ball in front of Jackson. The forward cut inside Elliott Anderson and blasted a high shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City controlled possession for much of the first half but could not find a way past Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov all had shots denied. Ndiaye also hit the post before halftime.

Erling Haaland equalized in the 52nd minute. He headed in a cross from Ndiaye. This was Haaland's 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol had a chance to put City ahead moments later, but Suzuki pushed his drive onto the crossbar.

Villa regained the lead at the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye moved behind the City defense and crossed the ball. Jackson finished low, and Donnarumma failed to save it. City pushed for a late equalizer but could not break through the Villa defense.

The result allows Arsenal to move level with City at the top of the league if they beat Everton later Saturday. Villa has now won six of its last seven matches in all competitions. The win continues the work of manager Unai Emery, who has rebuilt the squad after losing several key players in the transfer window.

City is currently appealing a guilty verdict on over 100 charges of breaking financial rules from 2009 to 2018. The potential sanctions include relegation. The loss at Villa Park came after two defensive errors, marking the fourth season in a row the visitors have dropped points at this venue.