Premier League leaders shocked after ‘half-time chaos’
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has completed another masterclass, ending Manchester City’s unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 win at Villa Park.
Striker Nicolas Jackson was the star, scoring a brace to make it three Premier League wins in a row for Villa over City.
Aston Villa’s Nicolas Jackson celebrates. AP Photo/Morgan Harlow
Villa is the first team to achieve that streak since Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side a decade ago.
“A brilliant team performance, Unai Emery must take credit but his players were fantastic today,” Joe Hart said on the Premier League’s coverage.
“City huffed and puffed but ultimately they didn’t have the answers and Nicholas Jackson was ruthless.”
Jackson started his brace in the sixth minute when he punished England defender Marc Guéhi for an error at the back.
City manager Enzo Maresca then went to his bench at half-time with Rico Lewis replacing Guéhi while Phil Foden came on for Rayan Cherki.
“That’s half-time chaos, that’s Maresca not happy,” Hart said.
“Guéhi, as top a player as he is, has had a few moments this season.”
The impact was quick for City with Erling Haaland heading home an Iliman Ndiaye in the 52nd minute.
Despite the setback, Villa’s business wasn’t done and in the 60th minute Jackson put substitute Ibrahim Mbaye into space down the right wing. Mbaye then crossed into Jackson at the edge of the box who rifled home the winner from his first touch with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failing to stop a ball that went under his body.
Villa then went on to claim victory to move to sixth on the Premier League ladder.
Jackson has now scored seven goals for Villa since making the move from Chelsea.
“I’m very happy, but most of all I’m happy with the manager, the team, the players and the fans ... hopefully we’re going to win more games,” he said.
Villa finished the match with only 37 per cent possession with eight shots and two on target.
