7: The number of wins in Maresca's record start, now gone

Manchester City lost its first Premier League match of the season to Aston Villa on Saturday, ending a seven-game winning streak that had set a historical benchmark for new managers.

Enzo Maresca had become the first coach to win his opening seven league games with a new club. His record was broken at Villa Park, a ground where City have lost in each of the last four seasons.

Aston Villa took a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute. Marc Guehi committed a heavy touch that allowed Nicolas Jackson to cut inside Elliott Anderson. Jackson then blasted a high shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City dominated possession for most of the first half but were denied by Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Iliman Ndiaye, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov all saw shots saved, while Ndiaye later struck the post.

The pressure paid off in the 52nd minute when Erling Haaland headed in a cross from Ndiaye. This was Haaland's 13th goal in 10 appearances this season. Josko Gvardiol followed up with a drive that Zion Suzuki deflected onto the crossbar.

Villa equalized and took the lead again at the 60th minute. Ibrahim Mbaye crossed the ball from behind the defense, and Jackson finished with a low shot that Donnarumma failed to stop. City pushed for an equalizer but could not find a way past the Villa defense.

The result puts pressure on Arsenal, which can move level on points at the top of the table if it beats Everton at home later on Saturday. For Villa, the win marks its sixth victory in seven games across all competitions and lifts the team to sixth place.

Unai Emery has rebuilt the squad significantly since arriving four years ago, transforming the club into a Champions League contender. Six players who started last season's Europa League final have left during the transfer window. New signings Jackson, Suzuki, Mbaye, and Johan Manzambi have been key to the team's recent success.

The loss occurred as City deals with an appeal against a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018. Potential sanctions include heavy fines or relegation, though the team had previously maintained its winning form despite the legal uncertainty.