Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1 at Villa Park.

The Premier League fixture on 24 October 2026 saw Aston Villa host Manchester City at Villa Park, Birmingham. Both sides entered the match looking to add points, but it was the home side that ultimately prevailed, thanks to a brace from Nicolas Jackson.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were dominated by Villa, and the breakthrough came early. In the 6th minute, Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for the home team with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box that curled into the top left corner, assisted by John McGinn. The early lead set the tone for a lively first half.

The game’s discipline tightened in the second half. Manchester City’s Marc Guéhi was booked in the 32nd minute for a bad foul, followed by another yellow for Rayan Cherki in the 38th minute, also for a bad foul.

City responded on the hour-mark. In the 52nd minute, Erling Haaland equalised with a close-range header into the bottom left corner, after a set-piece cross from Iliman Ndiaye. The goal restored parity and raised the stakes.

Villa’s reaction was swift. Just eight minutes later, in the 60th minute, Nicolas Jackson struck again, this time from the centre of the box, slotting a right-footed shot to the centre of the net. Ibrahim Mbaye provided the assist for the decisive second goal.

The remainder of the match saw a flurry of bookings. Johan Manzambi received a yellow card for Aston Villa in the 54th minute, and Matty Cash was cautioned a minute later in the 55th minute for a bad foul. Manchester City’s Elliot Anderson was booked in the 74th minute, followed by Ryan McAidoo in the 76th minute, both for bad fouls.

Aston Villa added another caution when Brian Madjo was shown a yellow in the 83rd minute. The final booking of the match came in stoppage time, with Emiliano Buendía receiving a yellow in the 90+5 minute for a bad foul. No further goals were scored, and the match concluded with Villa holding on for the win.

Standout performers

  • Nicolas Jackson (Aston Villa) – The decisive figure, scoring both Villa goals (6' and 60') and earning assists from John McGinn and Ibrahim Mbaye.
  • Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – Scored the equaliser in the 52nd minute, heading home from close range after Iliman Ndiaye’s cross.

Match facts

  • Final score: Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester City
  • Scorers: Nicolas Jackson (6', 60') – Aston Villa; Erling Haaland (52') – Manchester City
  • Bookings:
    • Marc Guéhi (32') – Manchester City
    • Rayan Cherki (38') – Manchester City
    • Johan Manzambi (54') – Aston Villa
    • Matty Cash (55') – Aston Villa
    • Elliot Anderson (74') – Manchester City
    • Ryan McAidoo (76') – Manchester City
    • Brian Madjo (83') – Aston Villa
    • Emiliano Buendía (90+5') – Aston Villa
  • Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham

What it means

The victory gives Aston Villa three points from the Premier League encounter, while Manchester City return home having dropped two points. The result reflects Villa’s effective attacking play and disciplined defence throughout the match.