Youri Tielemans netted the decisive goal to give Aston Villa a 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, reviving their pursuit of a top-five finish in the Premier League and a potential Champions League spot.
The Belgian international, who was Villa’s standout performer on the day, rose high to head in John McGinn’s corner in the 12th minute.
Tielemans came close to doubling Villa’s lead—first by nearly assisting Ollie Watkins, then narrowly missing the target with a brilliant curling strike just before halftime, as Unai Emery’s side bounced back from recent setbacks.
Donyell Malen was unfortunate not to score in added time, rattling the underside of the bar, but Tielemans’ early effort ultimately sealed the win.
Despite the victory, Villa stayed seventh in the table with 60 points from 35 matches, level with Nottingham Forest and Chelsea, who both still have a game in hand.
Meanwhile, the loss dealt a serious blow to Fulham’s push for European football. The Cottagers remain eighth with 51 points, though that position could change depending on the outcome of other fixtures this weekend.
