One down, three to go. Aston Villa ticked off the first of the four wins they may need to return to the Champions League next season but they will have to play better than this to achieve them.
Youri Tielemans’ header in the first half was enough to sink Fulham keep Unai Emery’s men in the hunt for a top six finish and the result will put pressure on their rivals for a top-five finish, who have still to play this weekend.
Yet it was some way from a return to top form and it seemed Villa had not completely shaken off their humbling by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final.