Aston Villa 1 Fulham 0: Early Tielemans goal fires Villans level on points with Chelsea in race for Champions League
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.
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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.
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, Chelsea and Forest all have 60 points on the board now, and all are chasing Champions League football next season.
Chelsea are fifth and host champions Liverpool at home on Sunday, while Forest travel to FA Cup finalists Crystal Palace on Monday night.
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