Jackson brace ends City’s winning run, Forest held by Ipswich 1-1

LONDON, Oct 24: Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Aston Villa ended Manchester City’s 100 per cent winning start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory, while Nottingham Forest missed an opportunity to strengthen their position outside the relegation zone after being held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich Town.
City had won their opening seven league matches but suffered their first defeat against a Villa side that has developed an impressive recent record against them. Meanwhile, Forest were left frustrated by missed chances and defensive errors as their struggles in front of goal continued at Portman Road.
Aston Villa 2-1 Man City
Jackson’s clinical finishing proved decisive as Aston Villa secured a significant victory over Manchester City, extending their impressive run against the visitors to five wins in their last seven meetings.
The result also marked Villa’s fourth successive home victory against City and came on the fourth anniversary of Unai Emery’s appointment as manager.
Villa took the lead when captain John McGinn capitalised on a poor touch by City defender Marc Guehi to release Jackson. The former Chelsea forward turned inside Elliot Anderson before firing high into the net beyond goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City responded by increasing the pressure, with Iliman Ndiaye striking the post as the visitors searched for an equaliser. Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki also produced important saves to deny Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki and Abdukodir Khusanov during the first half.
City eventually restored parity shortly after the interval when Erling Haaland rose highest to head home Ndiaye’s cross from the right.However, the visitors’ relief lasted only eight minutes. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye made an immediate impact, delivering a low cross that Jackson met with a first-time effort, sending the ball underneath Donnarumma’s left hand to restore Villa’s advantage.
City pushed for another equaliser, with Suzuki making a crucial save to deny Josko Gvardiol soon after Haaland’s goal. Ian Maatsen subsequently cleared another dangerous Haaland header as Villa held on to claim their first home league victory of the season.
Jackson’s performance underlined his growing importance to Emery’s side. The striker has now scored seven goals in 11 appearances across league and cup competitions for Villa, whose summer recruitment is beginning to produce encouraging results.
Four of the club’s summer arrivals started against City, contributing to a disciplined performance that combined defensive resilience with dangerous counter-attacks. Midfielders Joao Gomes and Boubacar Kamara were particularly effective in disrupting City’s rhythm, while Suzuki’s saves helped preserve the lead.
Villa had lost their opening two league matches but have since collected 11 points from their following six games, demonstrating a marked improvement in form.The defeat ended City’s perfect start, although their lead at the Premier League summit remained three points at the time, with second-placed Arsenal scheduled to host Everton later in the day. Villa, meanwhile, climbed into the top half of the table.
Ipswich Town 1-1 Forest
Nottingham Forest squandered several opportunities to secure their second league victory of the season as they were held to a draw by Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Forest made a promising start and took the lead in the 13th minute through Neco Williams, who scored his first goal for the club since April. The defender arrived unmarked at the far post to convert Daniel Munoz’s cross from the right.
The visitors had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Morgan Gibbs-White testing Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton. Leif Davis subsequently cleared the ball off the goal-line to prevent Forest from establishing a more commanding lead.
Ipswich punished their opponents’ wastefulness shortly before half-time. Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic hesitated in possession before attempting an underhit backpass, allowing Julio Enciso to intercept and finish calmly past goalkeeper Matz Sels in the 41st minute. It was Enciso’s first goal for the club since joining during the summer.
The contest produced further controversy three minutes into the second half when Forest midfielder James McAtee was brought down by Issa Diop while attempting to break through on goal.
Referee Thomas Bramall initially allowed play to continue before being advised by the video assistant referee to review the incident. After consulting the pitchside monitor, he awarded Forest a free-kick and showed Diop a yellow card rather than a red. (AP)