Ryan Sessegnon’s first-half goal gave Fulham a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, strengthening their European push while Villa missed a chance to secure Champions League qualification.
Ryan Sessegnon scored the only goal as Fulham beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Craven Cottage, ending a run of just one win in six games. The left-back, fresh from signing a contract extension, swept in a rebound after Emi Martinez saved Sasa Lukic’s header in the 43rd minute, lifting the Cottagers to within two points of sixth-placed Brighton.
Aston Villa failed to seal a top-five finish before Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest, with Ollie Watkins and substitute Tammy Abraham both spurning chances. Without injured midfielder Amadou Onana, Villa struggled to break down Fulham’s solid defensive shape, leaving Unai Emery visibly frustrated as his side’s Champions League qualification remains unconfirmed.