City’s perfect Premier League start ended with a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa as Nicolas Jackson’s double proved decisive at Villa Park.
Erling Haaland headed Manchester City level shortly after half-time, but Jackson restored Villa’s advantage eight minutes later, and Enzo Maresca’s side could not find another equaliser.
Here are our City player ratings.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 4
Beaten early by Jackson, and the second went underneath him despite getting down to the shot. City needed more from their goalkeeper at the decisive moment.
Abdukodir Khusanov – 5
Generally steady on the right of City’s defence and was not directly responsible for either goal, but offered little going forward.
Rúben Dias – 6
City’s strongest defender. Produced an important first-half challenge to prevent Alysson potentially making it 2-0 and dealt with several dangerous Villa breaks.
Marc Guéhi – 3
A difficult afternoon. His heavy touch while City attempted to play out allowed John McGinn to release Jackson for the opening goal. Booked and replaced at half-time.
Joško Gvardiol – 6
A threat going forward after the break. Denied by Zion Suzuki twice, including an effort the Villa goalkeeper pushed on to the crossbar.
Elliot Anderson – 5
Worked hard alongside Enzo Fernández but City never fully controlled Villa’s transitions. Jackson cut inside him before scoring the opener.
Enzo Fernández – 5
Neat enough in possession without having the influence City needed in midfield. Unable to turn their spells of control into enough clear opportunities.
Iliman Ndiaye – 7
City’s brightest player. Forced an excellent save from Suzuki, struck the post and then supplied the cross for Haaland’s equaliser. A persistent threat from the right.
Rayan Cherki – 5
Forced Suzuki into a good first-half save but struggled to impose himself consistently between the lines. Booked and withdrawn at the interval.
Jérémy Doku – 6
Caused problems on the left and created one of City’s best second-half openings for Gvardiol. Plenty of endeavour without the decisive contribution.
Erling Haaland – 6
Took his goal well, heading home Ndiaye’s cross for his ninth Premier League goal of the season. Almost rescued a point late on, only for Ian Maatsen to clear his header off the line.
Substitutes
Rico Lewis – 5
Replaced Guéhi at half-time and helped City settle after the break, but could not provide the breakthrough as Villa protected their lead.
Phil Foden – 5
Introduced for Cherki after his Champions League hat-trick in midweek. Saw plenty of the ball without reproducing Tuesday’s decisive contribution.
Ryan McAidoo – 5
Replaced Ndiaye after 69 minutes and brought fresh legs to the attack, but found little space against a Villa side increasingly focused on protecting its advantage.
City’s player of the match: Iliman Ndiaye – 7
Ndiaye was at the heart of City’s best attacking moments and deservedly claimed the assist for Haaland’s equaliser. On an afternoon when City lacked their usual precision, he was their most consistent threat.
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