Manchester City’s perfect English Premier League (EPL) start came to a crashing halt in a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa as Nicolas Jackson’s double extended an upturn in form for Unai Emery’s new-look side.

Enzo Maresca had become the first manager to win his first seven Premier League games in charge of a new club but failed to find a solution to City’s struggles at Villa Park, where they have now lost for the past four seasons.

After Jackson blasted home the opener after just six minutes, Villa relied on a brilliant goalkeeping display from Zion Suzuki to keep City at bay.

Erling Haaland briefly leveled early in the second half only for Villa to respond on the hour mark when Jackson drilled home Ibrahim Mbaye’s cross.

“A fantastic day to share with our supporters in Villa Park,” said Emery. “We felt that this is our fortress and the energy the supporters gave us was really fantastic.”

Four years on from Emery’s arrival, which has transformed the club from a sleeping giant into the Champions League, the Spaniard is working more magic despite seeing the spine of his squad in recent seasons decimated.

“He’s just a tactical genius,” Villa full-back Maty Cash said of his manager. “He’s always got a new plan for something. He’s always coming up with new ideas.”

Six of the side that started Villa’s victory in last season’s Europa League final left during the transfer window.

But the recruitment of Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye and Johan Manzambi is already paying dividends after a slow start to the campaign.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur scored a rare win at Stamford Bridge as Roberto De Zerbi oversaw a 2-0 victory over 10-man Chelsea in a tasty London derby as Storm Boelo rolls through the UK.

A Mateus Fernandes corner kick became a Mike Penders own goal and Mathys Tel scored late to account for the goals, while Cole Palmer was sent off in between the Spurs markers.