Aston Villa secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Villa Park, with Youri Tielemans’ first-half header proving the difference in a tense Premier League clash. The result keeps Unai Emery’s side firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification, moving them level on points with Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, pending their weekend fixtures.
The match, attended by 42,515 fans, saw Villa dominate early, capitalizing on a well-worked set-piece in the 12th minute. John McGinn, celebrating his 200th Premier League appearance, delivered a pinpoint corner, and Tielemans rose unmarked to power a header past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The goal sparked wild celebrations and set the tone for Villa’s determined performance.
Despite the early breakthrough, Villa squandered several chances to extend their lead. Ollie Watkins, who has a strong record against Fulham with six career goals, was lively but couldn’t find the net, while Morgan Rogers and Donyell Malen tested Leno with efforts that went narrowly wide. Fulham, sitting eighth and chasing European football themselves, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Alex Iwobi and Ryan Sessegnon their brightest sparks.
The second half saw moments of drama, notably when Emery’s frustration boiled over after Ezri Konsa’s careless pass nearly gifted Fulham an equalizer. The Villa manager, whose obsession with Champions League qualification was evident, was seen furiously gesturing at his defender, underlining the high stakes. Fulham’s substitutions, including Willian and Emile Smith Rowe, added late pressure, but Villa’s defense, marshaled by Emiliano Martínez, held firm.
Tielemans, named Player of the Match, earned an 8/10 rating for his commanding display in midfield, capped by his decisive goal. “A very important win,” Emery told BBC Sport post-match. “Our aim is to play in Europe, and today we showed our character.” The victory marks Villa’s seventh consecutive home win and extends Emery’s perfect record against Fulham, with six wins from six Premier League encounters.
For Fulham, the defeat dents their European aspirations, leaving them in eighth, with Brighton and Bournemouth breathing down their necks. Marco Silva’s side showed resilience but lacked the cutting edge to breach Villa’s resolute backline.