Youri Tielemans knows Aston Villa have to win all three of their remaining Premier League games as they chase a place in next season's Champions League
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Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa reacts towards referee Robert Jones
Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa reacts towards referee Robert Jones
Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans has stressed the importance of winning their remaining three games to secure a Champions League spot.
The midfielder's first-half header secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Fulham, closing the gap on the top five.
However, with Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Newcastle still in contention, Villa's fate is not entirely in their hands and they face huge games against Bournemouth and Europa League hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
“All our games now, we know we have to win them to have a chance to be in the Champions League next season,” said Tielemans on Villa’s website, via PA Sport.
“This afternoon was a good win, tough opponent, Fulham are a very good team and obviously we could have finished the game earlier.
“Goal difference is something we know we can improve on and obviously to have a better goal difference for us is key, especially towards the end now. Sometimes it can be on goal difference that you’re in or out. We need to improve on that.”
Tielemans has been the standout player in a season in which he has made 52 starts.
“Sometimes it’s a bit of luck as well, a bad kick can always happen in football,” he added. “I’ve tried to take care of my body as much as I can, to just play the games and enjoy my football.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva, expressing frustration after his side's European hopes were dented, received a booking for his animated responses to referee Rob Jones.
He explained: "I was too emotional. Probably have to speak a little bit not so loud for them because, if not, they take everything personally.
"Because he stopped every moment that a Villa player was on the grass. He stopped the game. Counter-attack moments for us, ball inside the box, he stopped the game every time.
"If they manage and they behave in one way, for one team, they should be balanced for both sides. That was the question. But for the official didn't like the way I asked."
Will Villa qualify for the Champions League? Have your say here
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