Fulham also needed a win to boost their chances of playing European football, making the first half of the match fast-paced and intense. Although clear scoring opportunities were scarce, Villa managed to take the lead just before the quarter-hour mark. Youri Tielemans headed in John McGinn's corner, with Bernd Leno unable to keep the ball out despite getting a touch to it.

Tielemans came close to doubling the lead before the interval, and Emiliano Martinez made a routine save from Alex Iwobi's shot, which was the closest Fulham came to equalizing. In the second half, both teams created more chances, with Fulham thinking they had drawn level when Ryan Sessegnon scored, but the goal was disallowed due to handball. Harry Wilson then had a great opportunity for Fulham, but he was unable to lift the ball over Martinez.

The match remained intense, with Fulham introducing Adama Traore and others to try and level the score. However, Aston Villa held firm to secure a win that moves them level on points with Chelsea in fifth place, although they have played a game more. They could have extended their lead when Donyell Malen's late effort hit the crossbar. Fulham's quest for European football suffers a significant setback, with results elsewhere this weekend potentially dropping them into the bottom half of the table.

Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans was the standout player in this match, earning the Man of the Match award.