Youri Tielemans inspired Aston Villa to a 1-0 triumph over Fulham in a crucial Premier League clash at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon, strengthening their Champions League ambitions.
Aston Villa were certainly the happier of the two sides heading into the break as, despite a real lack of final third action, the Villans held the lead thanks to a powerful Tielemans header early in the first half.
A disallowed equaliser from Ryan Sessegnon early in the second half set the tone for the rest of the match, as both teams squandered several opportunities, but Aston Villa ultimately held on to their lead to secure all three precious points.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
The game featured two extremely contrasting halves, with tension and and caution clearly on show throughout the opening 45 minutes, followed by a much more open and free-flowing second half in which both sides had several chances.
Much of the match was played in the middle of the park, with a lack of creativity and quality in the final third frequently stalling both teams' attacking moves.
Despite the more attacking nature in the second 45, neither side created a real clear-cut opportunity, and Aston Villa were able to fairly comfortably hold on to all three points.
ASTON VILLA VS. FULHAM HIGHLIGHTS
Youri Tielemans goal vs. Fulham (12th min, Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham)
Aston Villa lead early!
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 3, 2025
Youri Tielemans scores with a powerful header in the 12th minute, following a quality corner from John McGinn 💥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/b0cYQR22BZ
Tielemans with a bullet of a header!
John McGinn angles his corner toward the near post, exploiting Fulham's zonal marking as Tielemans is allowed to surge forward unmarked.
Tielemans continues his run and meets the cross, powering his header into the right corner and past Bernd Leno, who gets a hand on it but fails to keep the ball out of the net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - YOURI TIELEMANS
© Iconsport
Tielemans has been having a superb season for Aston Villa, and the midfielder was pivotal to their performance and the victory once again this afternoon.
The Belgian had the crowning moment as he powered a header home from close range, while he was denied a sensational second by a brilliant save from Leno.
Tielemans deserves far more credit than just for his goal, as the midfielder dictated the tempo for Aston Villa throughout his time on the pitch, with every attacking move flowing through the Belgian.
ASTON VILLA VS. FULHAM MATCH STATS
Possession: Aston Villa 52%-48% Fulham
Shots: Aston Villa 10-11 Fulham
Shots on target: Aston Villa 3-3 Fulham
Corners: Aston Villa 5-3 Fulham
Fouls: Aston Villa 6-17 Fulham
BEST STATS
Youri Tielemans most G+A in a single Premier League campaign:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) May 3, 2025
◎ 10 - 2020/21
◎ 10 - 2021/22
◉ 10 - 2024/25
One more for a PB. 💪 pic.twitter.com/uqvLyYxAhs
WHAT NEXT?
Aston Villa's battle for Champions League football will see them face Bournemouth, Tottenham and Manchester United in the final three games of the season, with the Villans likely requiring maximum points to breach the top five.
Meanwhile, Fulham appear unlikely to break into the top seven and are instead battling with several teams for eighth place in the table, with Everton, Brentford and Manchester City awaiting them in the run-in.
Ellis Stevens
