Unai Emery's reactions said it all.
The raw emotion in Emery's goal celebrations, as he turned and pumped his fists towards the Aston Villa crowd, was in contrast to the statuesque figure he cut an hour before.
Raul Jimenez had just given Fulham a third-minute lead as the Cottagers looked to end their wretched run at Villa Park.
But that run continues - Ollie Watkins ended his wait for a goal and John McGinn and Emi Buendia grabbed quickfire strikes - meaning the Cottagers have won once in their past 22 league visits to Villa.