Erling Haalands Streak Ends as Aston Villa Stun Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park

Erling Haaland’s 12-game scoring run ended as Manchester City’s nine-match unbeaten streak was halted by Aston Villa’s 1-0 win, thanks to Matty Cash’s first-half strike. Despite Haaland’s missed chances and injury scare, Pep Guardiola urged his side to improve. City slipped to fifth, six points behind leaders Arsenal.

In the Premier League clash at Villa Park on 26 October 2025, Manchester City’s nine-match unbeaten run came to an end as Aston Villa sealed a 1-0 victory through Matty Cash’s first-half strike. Erling Haaland, who had scored in 12 consecutive games and amassed 24 goals for club and country this season, failed to find the net despite multiple chances. His late equaliser was ruled out for offside, and he limped off after colliding with the post.

Pep Guardiola’s side looked sluggish at times and struggled for creativity beyond Haaland, whose teammates have provided little goal support this season. Villa’s Emiliano Martinez denied Haaland twice and was pivotal in maintaining the lead. The defeat leaves City fifth in the table, six points behind leaders Arsenal, marking their third loss in nine games, their worst start since 2007-08.

Guardiola admitted his team “have to make a step up” but praised Villa’s solid performance. Bernardo Silva criticised City’s defensive pressing, calling it “really bad.” With injuries and a reliance on Haaland, Guardiola may look to new signings like Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush to share the scoring load ahead of their next game against Bournemouth.