Aston Villa end Man City's perfect start as Arsenal draw level at Premier League summit

Manchester City's flawless start to the Premier League season is over. Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa won 2-1 at Villa Park on Saturday, and a few hours later Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at home to draw level with City on 21 points. Two teams now share the top of the table after eight rounds.

Jackson punishes City mistakes

Villa scored in the opening minutes. Marc Guehi slipped, and Jackson went through, cut inside Elliott Anderson and beat Gianluigi Donnarumma. City then controlled most of the first half but could not get past Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. He stopped Rayan Cherki, and Iliman Ndiaye hit the post.

City drew level early in the second half. Erling Haaland headed in a cross from Ndiaye, his 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Minutes later Suzuki tipped a Josko Gvardiol shot onto the crossbar. On the hour Ibrahim Mbaye got in behind City's defence and crossed low, and Jackson's first-time finish went past Donnarumma. Reports said the goalkeeper should have saved it. Late on, Ian Maatsen cleared a Haaland header to protect the lead.

Jackson has now scored six goals in his last six games. It was also Villa's first home league win of the season, and it lifted Unai Emery's side to sixth.

Maresca's record run ends

Before kick-off, Enzo Maresca had become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League games in charge of a new club. This was his first league defeat as City boss. Afterwards he said his team lost because they were not clinical enough in Villa's box. He added that the half-time substitution of Guehi was partly down to the defender's yellow card.

Villa Park has been a hard ground for City: they had lost there in each of the previous four seasons. Villa have also won six of their last seven games in all competitions.

Arsenal take their chance

Arsenal began the day able to catch City, and they did it. Ezri Konsa opened the scoring early on. Jordan Pickford tipped a Martin Odegaard corner onto the crossbar, and Konsa tapped in the rebound from close range. It was Arsenal's first goal from a corner this season. Gabriel Magalhaes made it 2-0 in the second half, heading in Ben White's cross at the far post. He had needed treatment for a leg problem earlier in the game.

Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka and had to defend some late chances. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall put a shot just wide for David Moyes's Everton, and David Raya saved from Thierno Barry. Overall, though, Arsenal had 20 shots to Everton's eight. Mikel Arteta called it a big win for his team.

What the table looks like now

Arsenal and City both have 21 points after eight games. City stay first on goal difference. Everton have 10 points, and their next game is a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at home to Newcastle United on Thursday.

For fans in Malaysia, Saturday's early kick-off at Villa Park started at 7.30pm local time.

Key takeaways

• Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester City: Nicolas Jackson scored both Villa goals; Erling Haaland scored City's.
• City's 100 per cent league record ends after seven straight wins under Enzo Maresca.
• Arsenal 2-0 Everton: Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes scored.
• Arsenal and City are level on 21 points, with City top on goal difference.
• Villa move up to sixth after their first home league win of the season.

FAQ

Who scored in Aston Villa v Manchester City? Nicolas Jackson scored early in the first half and again on the hour for Villa. Erling Haaland headed City's equaliser early in the second half.

Are Arsenal top of the Premier League? They are level with Manchester City on 21 points after eight matches. City are first on goal difference.

Was this Enzo Maresca's first league defeat at City? Yes. He had won his first seven Premier League matches in charge before the loss at Villa Park.

Sources: Sky Sports, Al Jazeera, NBC Sports, Everton FC, Football Web Pages