ASTON VILLA closed the gap on the Champions League places with a hard fought 1-0 win against Fulham at Villa Park.
Villa's unsung hero this season Youri Tielemans' 12th minute header up Unai Emery's side seventh in the table and level on points with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
Aston Villa players celebrating a goal.
Aston Villa earned a hard fought 1-0 win against Fulham at Villa ParkCredit: Reuters
Youri Tielemans scoring a goal during a soccer match.
Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 12th minute at Villa ParkCredit: Getty
Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham kicking a soccer ball during a match.
Ryan Sessegnon's second-half strike was ruled out for handball five minutes into the second halfCredit: Getty
Ollie Watkins missed a glorious chance to double Villa's lead on the brink of half-time, air-kicking Matty Cash's nippy cross.
Before Ryan Sessegnon had the ball in the back of the net in the 55th minute for Fulham.
But the former Spurs star's strike was ruled out for handball with VAR confirming the on-field call.
Referee Rob Jones led the way, spotting a handball from Sessegnon as he tried to tame Antonee Robinson's lay-off.
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Sessegnon initially took the ball down on his chest but the ball brushed his hand before he lashed a screamer beyond Emi Martinez's far corner.
Emery went bonkers at Ezri Konsa for losing the ball in midfield, leading to another Fulham chance which Harry Wilson failed to take.
Fulham's chances kept passing them by, before Villa's Donyell Malen thumped an effort against the bar with Leno beaten.
Villa moved level on 60 points with Chelsea and Forest in their bid for a top-five finish.
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Chelsea are fifth and host champions Liverpool at home on Sunday, while Forest travel to FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Aston Villa vs Fulham match stats infographic.
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