Sunday Fulham Stuff - 26/04/26...

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Saturday 25/04
Fulham	1-0	Villa
Sessegnon
Liverpool	3-1	Palace
West Ham	2-1	Everton
Wolves	0-1	Spurs
Arsenal	1-0	Newcastle

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Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa

At a glance

    Ryan Sessegnon gives Fulham victory with first goal since November

    Aston Villa miss the chance to all but seal Champions League place

    Fulham boost European qualification hopes

Ryan Sessegnon scored the only goal as Fulham boosted their hopes of finishing in the European places by beating Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

The win nudged the Cottagers up to 10th, at least for a short while, and they are now just two points behind sixth-placed Brighton and right among the other sides in the European mix.

Sessegnon, who signed a contract extension at Fulham this week, swept in the rebound after Emi Martinez saved Sasa Lukic's header late in the first half.

The hosts also had a headed goal by Timothy Castagne ruled out for a foul on Villa goalkeeper Martinez in the second half.

With England head coach Thomas Tuchel watching, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers missed chances for Villa and Unai Emery's side were lacklustre at the start of a crucial spell for them.

They play Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

Victory over Fulham would have all but confirmed a top-five finish prior to that tie, but Villa instead still have work to do to confirm Champions League qualification via the league.

Fulham analysis: Sessegnon goal keeps season alive
After just one win in six games, Fulham's season was threatening to peter out.

This victory ensures there is still something to play for in their final four matches of the campaign.

Marco Silva's side have tricky fixtures against Arsenal and Bournemouth to come, but afterwards they face Wolves and Newcastle – two winnable matches as they aim to pip the likes of Brentford, Everton and the Cherries to a European place.

Silva was incensed when Castagne's header was ruled out. He will argue Martinez had as much of Sander Berge's shirt as the Norway international did of the Argentine's.

In truth, he need not have worried. Silva's side largely held Villa at arm's length in seeing out the match.

Captain Joachim Andersen, who made more tackles, interceptions and clearances then any team-mate, was superb.

The only disappointment came with match-winner Sessegnon, whose new deal takes him until the end of next season, limping off injured in the second half.

Villa analysis: Onana missed as Villa underwhelm
Defeat should not be met by panic at Villa.

At worst they will end the weekend with a seven-point advantage over those outside of the Champions League places with four games to go. They will almost certainly have enough.

Emery cut a frustrated figure for much of the second half, however.

His side were loose on the ball and, without the thrust offered by injured midfielder Amadou Onana, struggled to break through Fulham's solid defensive shape.

Watkins followed his well-crafted first-half chance by blazing an effort over in the second.

After six goals in his previous five games, it would be harsh to read too much into the striker's showing when it comes to debating whether he will make England's World Cup squad, but his miss was untimely with Tuchel watching on.

He was substituted with 10 minutes to go and replaced by Tammy Abraham, who wasted a chance of his own.

An exasperated Emery bounded around his technical area in response to that miss. He will hope for much better at Forest on Thursday.

What's next?
Fulham make the short trip to Arsenal for their next match on Saturday, 2 May at 17:30 BST.

Villa's next Premier League fixture, after Thursday's Europa League semi-final against Forest, is a home game against Tottenham on Sunday, 3 May (19:00 BST).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/clyd52nj0det

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Post-Aston Villa Press Conference
Marco Silva was delighted with the first half performance that led to Fulham's victory over Aston Villa.

It was our first victory over these opponents in seven meetings since Unai Emery has been in charge there, courtesy of a trademark Ryan Sessegnon finish towards the end of the first half.

"We knew before the match that it's going to be a crucial game if we want to be in a race for something important, in that bunch of clubs that are fighting for the European places, simple as that," Silva said.

"Against a top side, a side that it's not usual to see them not scoring, not usual to see them losing games at this level. They have been very consistent, and that is the reason why they have been playing a great season again.

"Great players, individual players, tactical point of view, they always demand big things from the opposition, and great first half from us. Really pleased with our first half – the way we were solid, and the way we were brave.

"We were very brave first half, pressing them high most of the times. Big risk that we did take, two against two sometimes in the back, with Joa and Calvin against [Morgan] Rogers and [Ollie] Watkins. We know that it's not easy to stop them, but we did it.

"Good moments on the ball – the goal we scored is a great example of it. We were much more on the ball first half, the second was slightly different.

"Our pressure was not so aggressive, more difficult to have some moments on the ball. Was really the only thing that we should have done more, to have more of the possession in the second half, because it's going to allow us to create more problems for them. We didn't, but was very solid from ourselves and in all aspects of the game.

"Back-to-back clean sheets, crucial for us, and it was a massive, massive win. I congratulate the players for the great and hard work from them, from the back line, the great job in our right-hand side with Harry Wilson and Timothy Castagne.

"The great job from Harry, off the ball, was incredible again this afternoon. Another great performance from Saša, and all the other players around. It's nice to see some players coming back to the good level in an important moment of the season.

"The only bad thing is the possible injury for Sess. Let's see what's going to happen. We have been very unlucky recently with some key players for us being out. Let's hope it's nothing special with Sess."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/april/25/post-aston-villa-press-conference/

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Fulham eyeing Kareem Tunde transfer this summer
Fulham will reportedly look to sign 20-year-old Spanish winger Kareem Tunde from relegation-threatened La Liga club Levante UD in the summer transfer window.

According to an update by Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto for Radio MARCA, Levante winger Kareem Tunde is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker this summer amid uncertainties surrounding Harry Wilson's long-term future. So, they have set their sights on the promising 20-year-old prospect.

Profile: Kareem Tunde's Barcelona Roots and Rise
Kareem Tunde is the latest promising prospect to emerge from Spain's elite academy system. Born in Barcelona, the Spaniard has spent his formative years in Spain and passed through several prestigious academies. The youngster's youth career included spells with RCD Espanyol, Barcelona, and CF Damm before he graduated to the senior level at Levante UD.

The 20-year-old has yet to become a regular starter for Levante, though his first-team opportunities have increased steadily. Tunde has demonstrated encouraging development this season, accumulating nearly 1,000 minutes across 16 La Liga appearances while contributing 1 assist, averaging approximately 62.5 minutes per outing. His trajectory suggests growing confidence from Levante's coaching staff, despite the club's relegation struggle.

The Spanish winger's progress has attracted attention from several well-known clubs. A Premier League adventure may be on the cards for Tunde, with Fulham among the prospective suitors competing for his signature this summer transfer window.

Tunde Transfer Makes Tactical Sense for Fulham
Fulham's interest in Kareem Tunde is understandable from a tactical standpoint. The Cottagers are scouring the market for a versatile wide attacker capable of playing on both flanks. While they signed Oscar Bobb from Manchester City earlier this year, Harry Wilson's long-term future at Craven Cottage remains uncertain after entering the final three months of his contract despite the club's attempts to retain his services.

With several well-known clubs setting their sights on Wilson, a departure as a free agent may be on the cards for the Welsh international. Consequently, Fulham must actively explore the transfer market for a winger, and several options, including Ilan Kebbal, have emerged on the West London club's priority list.

However, Tunde represents a viable strategic target, as his left and right flank versatility would allow Marco Silva tactical flexibility to rotate the 20-year-old Spaniard across multiple positions alongside Kevin, Samuel Chukwueze, and Oscar Bobb. Should the Cottagers lose Wilson to free agency, Tunde's adaptability would help mitigate the loss of a key attacking asset.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/04/25/fulham-eyeing-kareem-tunde-transfer-this-summer/

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Sessegnon's winner keeps Fulham in hunt for European place
Ryan Sessegnon's goal a couple of minutes before half-time gave Fulham a vital victory to maintain their challenge for a European place.

Sessegnon tucked away the loose ball after Sasa Lukic's header from Timothy Castagne's cross had been saved by keeper Emi Martinez.

Fulham thought they had doubled their lead in the second half when Castagne headed in, but the goal was disallowed for a foul by Sander Berge on Martinez.

Former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham missed a late chance for Aston Villa when he missed the target after going past Joachim Andersen.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser but Fulham defended well to secure their 10th home win of the season.
Fulham Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon (Robison 81), Berge, Lukic, Wilson, Smith Rowe (King 76), Chukwueze (Bobb 76), Jimenez (Muniz 66)
Subs not used: Lecomte, Diop, Reed, Cairney, Kusi-Asare.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sessegnons-winner-keeps-fulham-in-hunt-for-european-place

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Hard-working Fulham overcome Aston Villa - Sessegnon's strike rewarding their extra little grit
Premier League

Fulham (1) 1 Sessegnon 43

Aston Villa (0) 0

Ryan Sessegnon's first goal since November 1 - his third on the season - was just enough to get the better of Europa League semi-finalists Aston Villa in a mostly lukewarm encounter.

Victory is unlikely to carry much lasting significance. Fulham were delighted to claim their 10th home win of the season after a largely artisenal effort in the Thames sunshine. Their endeavour just tipped the scales.

Europe still looks a long shot but they look keen to try and push to the finishing line and can do serious damage to Arsenal next week at the Emirates. For Villa, Champions League football still beckons despite this reverse.

It could be that Harry Wilson is involved in that for the Midlands side - having been linked to a summer move to Villa Park - but here he was very much a Whites player, giving his all, in spite of the cheeky chants from away fans that: "He wants to play for a big club!"

In a game where so little was going on for long parts of it, it came almost as a relief to see Morgan Rogers work his way into shooting range after being found by John McGinn and rifling a low shot that whizzed inches off target.

A few moments later and Ollie Watkins - perhaps inspired by his team-mate's near miss - made room to drill a shot which flew past the opposite post.

The Whites played pleasantly within themselves without creating a great deal. Their best chance early on came when Villa got careless at the back in possession and gifted a chance for Sasa Lukic - who strode on before testing Emi Martinez from just outside the box.

But it was the Whites who made the breakthrough - a nicely judged cross found Lukic unmarked for a header that Matinez could only parry away for an onrushing Sessegnon to crash back into the net through the legs of Ezri Konsa.

Kicking towards their own fans at the Putney End, Unai Emery's men raised their game a little after the break and Watkins flashed a shot over after again being picked out superbly by his pal McGinn.

Fulham thought they had made it 2-0 when Catagne headed in an inswinging corner from Lukic midway through the second half but ref Michael Oliver decided Martinez had been baulked by Sander Berge on the goalline.

But the disappointment did not matter in the end.

Tammy Abraham came on for Watkins and the former Chelsea striker managed to eke out an early chance for himself that he spooned over the crossbar. It was the last moment of danger for the winning Whites.

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno - Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon (Robinson 81) - Lukic, Berge - Wilson, Smith Rowe (King 76), Chukwueze (Bobb 76) - Jimenez (Muniz 67)

Villans: (4-2-3-1) Martinez - Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne - Bogarde (Douglas Luiz 74), Tielemans (Sancho 74) - McGinn ((Barkley 74), Rogers, Buendia (Bailey 74) - Watkins (Abraham 81)

Attendance: 27,606



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/hard-working-fulham-over-come-aston-villa-sessegnon-s-strike-rewarding-their-extra-little-grit

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Fulham boost European hopes by beating Champions League-chasing Aston Villa
Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa: Ryan Sessegnon's goal settled the game at Craven Cottage against a lacklustre Villa

Fulham boosted their hopes of European qualification as Ryan Sessegnon's first-half goal earned them a 1-0 win over a lacklustre Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

It was only a second win in six Premier League games for Marco Silva's side, whose inconsistency may yet put a top-seven finish beyond their reach, but in glorious conditions and backed by a vociferous crowd, they showed the heights they are capable of reaching.

They struck late in the first half. Emiliano Martinez's quick reflexes kept out Sasa Lukic's header, but Villa were slow to clock the threat of the lurking Sessegnon who fired between the legs of Ezri Konsa on the goal line.

Villa were complicit in their own downfall, and were poor throughout. Not since their eight-game winning run ended in late December have they won back-to-back matches in the league and that sequence continued in west London, though they still have a healthy advantage in the race for a Champions League place.

They threatened Bernd Leno's goal only twice in the first half, through Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, and barely at all after that.

Perhaps there was one eye being kept on Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest, and a raft of late changes by Unai Emery suggested so. They will need to be much, much better to keep their European dream alive.

It was a poor first half. Raul Jimenez headed straight at Martinez when unmarked 10 yards out then Emiliano Buendia rounded off a fast Villa break by firing wide.

Lukic burst on to a loose ball on the edge of the box and ought to have done far better than scuffing a meek effort into the goalkeeper's arms.

A wild attempt from Rogers that sailed away into the sun-drenched Fulham supporters behind Leno's goal summed up an opening half hour of minimal goalmouth threat.

The England playmaker, watched by Thomas Tuchel, quickly found his shooting boots and came as close as anyone to that point, dancing through Fulham's defence and slamming a low effort just wide.

Watkins, also out to impress Tuchel with only four more league games before the World Cup, then bullishly held off Joachim Andersen and whistled one past the post.

Fulham went ahead two minutes before half-time. Timothy Castagne crossed from the right, Lukic's header was pushed out by Martinez but reacting quickest to the loose ball was Sessegnon to lash it into the unguarded net.

Villa needed waking up but it took until the hour mark for their next opening, Watkins blasting hopelessly high and wide from a promising position.

Castagne headed the ball in their net for a second time from Lukic's corner but Sander Berge was penalised for impeding Martinez.

Emery gambled with four changes for the final 15 minutes, though with Youri Tielemans and John McGinn among those withdrawn there was a suspicion attentions had turned already to Thursday at the City Ground. Watkins too was taken off soon after.

Whatever the reasoning, it did little to put the fire beneath Villa who limped to the end without further troubling Leno.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-aston-villa-score-result-premier-league-b2964907.html

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Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa: Unai Emery's side blow big chance to strengthen grip on fourth place as Ryan Sessegnon's winner pushes hosts back into fight for Europe
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery admits his side must up its goalscoring game at the business end of the season, as they crashed to defeat at Fulham.

Ryan Sessegnon was the match winner in a game where both Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham looked out of sorts – as England manager Thomas Tuchel looked on.

It was not the best preparation for their Europa League semi final against Nottingham Forest on Thursday, and their miserable day was compounded with the news that Amadou Onana had a knee injury.

While the midfielder is already a doubt for their next game, Emery was more focused on making his Villa side take their chances.

He said 'We had four chances in ninety minutes, but we weren't clinical. We must continue working, and practice, and how to score one goal.

'Today we didn't shoot when we were in good positions, and especially against Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks ago the same chances fell for Ollie.

'It's difficult to win matches in the Premier League. But today we should have scored a minimum of two goals.

'We couldn't dominate because they were going man to man with us. We conceded one goal.'

It was a strangely flat performance by Villa against a Fulham side looking more likely to have success in the Craven Cottage sunshine.

Even so, Morgan Rogers and Watkins put chances wide in a matter of minutes, that could have put a different slant on the result.

The goal that proved to be the match winner came with just two minutes of the half remaining.

A cross by Timothy Castagne found the head of Sasa Lukic who forced Emilano Martinez to palm away. Sessegnon was on-hand to pounce on the rebound for his third of the campaign, marking a week where his contract was extended.

While Villa needed a response in the second half, it could have got much worse for them just two minutes after the restart, when Harry Wilson put an effort just wide.

Abraham came on as sub but managed to put his effort well over with his first touch of the contest, on 83 minutes, which seemed to sum up the day of Villa.

Fulham celebrated their second win in ten outings, and head coach Marco Silva praised his side.

He said 'We knew before the match that it would be a crucial game, if you want to be in the race for something important, against teams fighting for their European places.

'It's not usual seeing teams like Villa not scoring or losing games. At their level they have been very consistent, that is why they've had a great season.

'It was a great first half, I was really pleased. We were solid, and we were very brave in the first half.

'Back to back clean sheets is crucial for us, and it was a massive win. I congratulate the players, they should be proud.

'I'm demanding and I want this club to go as far as it can go. I'm pushing everybody forward.'



https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15758601/Fulham-1-0-Aston-Villa-Ryan-Sessegnon-Premier-League.html

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Aston Villa slip up as Fulham keep European dream alive
Ryan Sessegnon scored the only goal of the game shortly before half-time.

ASTON VILLA MISSED the chance to climb to third in the Premier League on Saturday, losing 1-0 at Fulham as Marco Silva's men kept their European dream alive.

Ryan Sessegnon scored the only goal of the game shortly before half-time after Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins had gone close for Villa.

The result leaves Villa on 58 points, level with third-placed Manchester United, having played one game extra.

Despite the disappointing result at Craven Cottage, Unai Emery's team remain firmly on course for a place in the top five, which would guarantee a spot in next season's Champions League.

Fulham are now 10th, level on 48 points with neighbours Chelsea and just two behind sixth-placed Brighton in the scrap for places in the Champions League, Europa League and UEFA Conference League.

The London side have not played in European competition since 2011.

Villa, who have not won away in the Premier League since January, had good chances to take the lead about 10 minutes before Sessegnon's goal.

England international Rogers flashed wide in the 34th minute after running across the penalty box, and moments later, Watkins was also off-target.

But Fulham took the lead when Sessegnon steered home in the 43rd minute after Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez got down smartly to parry a Sasa Lukic header.

In-form Watkins blazed over on the hour mark when well placed, as Emery expressed his rage on the sidelines.

Fulham had the ball in the net again midway through the second period, but Timothy Castagne's headed goal was ruled out by referee Michael Oliver after Martinez was impeded.

Villa's Spanish boss made four substitutions in the search for a creative spark, but it was to no avail as Fulham held on.

The Birmingham side will now turn their attentions to the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest on Thursday.



https://www.the42.ie/aston-villa-slip-up-as-fulham-keep-european-dream-alive-7023489-Apr2026/

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Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa: Cottagers bolster European challenge as Villa's hopes dented
Left-back repaid faith after signing a new contract

Fulham boosted their hopes of European qualification as Ryan Sessegnon's first-half goal earned them a 1-0 win over a lacklustre Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

It was only a second win in six Premier League games for Marco Silva's side, whose inconsistency may yet put a top-seven finish beyond their reach, but in glorious conditions and backed by a vociferous crowd, they showed the heights they are capable of reaching.

They struck late in the first half. Emiliano Martinez's quick reflexes kept out Sasa Lukic's header, but Villa were slow to clock the threat of the lurking Sessegnon who fired between the legs of Ezri Konsa on the goal line.

Villa were complicit in their own downfall, and were poor throughout. Not since their eight-game winning run ended in late December have they won back-to-back matches in the league and that sequence continued in west London, though they still have a healthy advantage in the race for a Champions League place.

They threatened Bernd Leno's goal only twice in the first half, through Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, and barely at all after that.

Perhaps there was one eye being kept on Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest, and a raft of late changes by Unai Emery suggested so. They will need to be much, much better to keep their European dream alive.

It was a poor first half. Raul Jimenez headed straight at Martinez when unmarked 10 yards out then Emiliano Buendia rounded off a fast Villa break by firing wide.

Lukic burst on to a loose ball on the edge of the box and ought to have done far better than scuffing a meek effort into the goalkeeper's arms.

A wild attempt from Rogers that sailed away into the sun-drenched Fulham supporters behind Leno's goal summed up an opening half hour of minimal goalmouth threat.

The England playmaker, watched by Thomas Tuchel, quickly found his shooting boots and came as close as anyone to that point, dancing through Fulham's defence and slamming a low effort just wide.

Watkins, also out to impress Tuchel with only four more league games before the World Cup, then bullishly held off Joachim Andersen and whistled one past the post.

Fulham went ahead two minutes before half-time. Timothy Castagne crossed from the right, Lukic's header was pushed out by Martinez but reacting quickest to the loose ball was Sessegnon to lash it into the unguarded net.

Villa needed waking up but it took until the hour mark for their next opening, Watkins blasting hopelessly high and wide from a promising position.

Castagne headed the ball in their net for a second time from Lukic's corner but Sander Berge was penalised for impeding Martinez.

Emery gambled with four changes for the final 15 minutes, though with Youri Tielemans and John McGinn among those withdrawn there was a suspicion attentions had turned already to Thursday at the City Ground. Watkins too was taken off soon after.

Whatever the reasoning, it did little to put the fire beneath Villa who limped to the end without further troubling Leno.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-aston-villa-premier-league-b1279966.html

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Villa Were Awful Fulham Deserved The Win
I watched the game, and we were awful. Fulham were the better side and fully deserved the win. Don't let the stats fool you, we were nowhere near it.

Given we've got a big game coming up on Thursday night, you would have expected more. The intensity wasn't there, and neither was the quality.

I didn't like the starting line-up. Some players looked uncomfortable in their positions, and it showed. The changes came way too late as well. The way we were playing, it was crying out for something different much earlier.

Really disappointing result. It's a lovely sunny afternoon, and it's going to be hard to enjoy it after that. UTV



https://www.thevillablogger.com/villa-were-awful-fulham-deserved-the-win/

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Sessegnon kickstarts chase for Europe with winner against Villa
Fulham's 1-0 win at the Cottage ends six-game losing streak to Unai Emery's side

Who said the race for Europe is over? Ryan Sessegnon has taken Fulham back in the right direction in today's 1-0 win over Aston Villa with a sharp finish at the business end of the first half. Our losing run against Unai Emery's side came to end with a good performance at both ends of the pitch, replete with confident displays across the team - and whilst the lead may have been slender, the tactics Marco Silva embellished on the team today made us firmly get the better of our opponents.

First Half
Recent matches have featured a dearth of goals, and for large parts of their duration signs of life whatsoever - it was a pleasant surprise to see this one start with Fulham trying to seize the day, taking the Saturday morning sunshine and forcing the agenda onto our visitors. Lukic and Smith Rowe pressed high up the pitch, smothering Villa's formation in Fulham bodies and producing a fast-paced start for Emery's side to contend with. It almost produced a dream start - winning the ball in Villa's final third let Chukwueze slip Smith Rowe through the backline and into the box. Yet the opportunity got the better of him - with Jimenez open to his right, he scuffed his pass and allowed Torres to smack the ball away.

It felt a much healthier position than against Brentford. Lukic seized the initiative with his position high up the pitch, pushing Villa deeper into their own half and helping Fulham consolidate possession around the pitch. The strategy was good - McGinn, often a menace around midfield, was forced into a makeshift wingback to accommodate Sessegnon and Chukwueze, the latter of whom at one point whipped an accurate cross into Jimenez for a header Martinez needed to catch. A little confidence, an extra teammate around them and actual sight of goal gave Fulham a spring in their step, bustling around Villa's half and making them consolidate around their box. Tielemans and Bogarde found themselves warding Fulham players more than shaping play themselves, keeping Villa's dangerous attackers starved of the ball in the process.

We were making decent moves through it, well placed to catch Villa out and drive towards the goal - one such move saw Lukic steal it from a dozing Rogers and drive towards goal, stroking a shot at Martinez for the Argentine to save. A good touch from Wilson on the right exploited Digne, letting us cross into a depleted box - Chukwueze couldn't quite shake off the defender though and his shot didn't travel away from Martinez far enough. Similar happened a little later, as a lengthy passing sequence again let Wilson and Lukic move ominously into the box, but the shooting angle proved too narrow for Jimenez and Berge to produce anything substantial, the Norwegian seeing a tame effort deflect into Martinez's arms.

Villa were not buckling easily, and the age-old worry of blowing our early momentum did linger in the air. 4th in the league, Europa League semi-finalists and winners in every contest against us since Emery took charge, their unit was confident and assured, shutting down the box and shuffling many of our passing sequences away from goal. Each lull we fell into was an opportunity to sting us, a cheap foul or offside producing a nervy free-kick, a dispossession presenting the avenue of the long ball into their frontline. Travelling forward with the ball was nervy viewing - Buendia, Watkins and Rogers enjoyed good chemistry, driving at us with vigour and creating space for shots to be fired at Leno.

They produced a good few chances, too. Buendia had taken a lay off from a Watkins run and lashed an early effort wide of goal earlier in the game, and Rogers did similar later, as he and McGinn dribbled through the centre into an exposed Fulham backline; Berge tracking back put the pressure on to scuttle his eventual effort. Yet the danger was never far from being realised, and Rogers looked eager to make himself the headline - a quick pass into McGinn saw him dispatch the England international along the left flank, as Rogers surged into the box, cut away from Castagne, move into shooting position too quickly for Wilson and blast a shot at goal, travelling just beside the wrong side of the goal. It was a fruitful route to goal and Cash tried to work it again, Watkins taking a lofted pass from his own half, fighting off Andersen's pressure with his back to goal and turning the Dane to get into a pocket of space on the right. Again, fortune favoured us - his shot fizzed narrowly beside the left post and wide.

We needed a response, and to the team's credit they snapped into gear. A smart ball from Berge saw Jimenez win a free kick on the edge of the box, his footwork dazing Buendia. Whilst Wilson's effort couldn't beat the wall, the ball was recycled well, Castagne lifting a pass over the resetting backline to Sessegnon, who'd nipped intelligently behind Cash to get into the box. The cross was cleared by Torres, before Chukwueze fired a shot into Martinez and the flag went up - but the Villa lockdown had at last been penetrated. Sure enough, a clever bit of play from the Nigerian under pressure at the halfway line saw the ball slipped through to Castagne, driving into a chasm on Villa's left. He lifted a ball into the box, where Raul leapt onto the ball between Cash and Bogarde - Martinez saved well, but palmed the ball back in front of the goal. There, alert and attuned to the situation as ever, was Ryan Sessegnon, striding onto the loose ball amongst the chaos and powerfully steering it into the goal's open bottom right corner, felling Konsa with a nutmeg in the process. Our hard work had paid off, and we ended the half with an encouraging lead.

Second Half
Those of you with a decent memory will remember recent contests Fulham led against Villa, only to implode later in the game. A side of this quality wouldn't buckle at the sight of a single goal advantage - a quick start in search of a second was imperative. Once again, we made a strong start - whilst Castagne picking up a cheap booking for a foul on Buendia wasn't great, our pressure and swiftness in transition let us pounce on a Villa mistake. A poor Torres header saw the ball snatched in midfield, and Smith Rowe and Berge combined to slip Wilson through a scattered defence. With Jimenez open to his left, a quick glance up would have put Raul a stride or two away from a clear shot at goal - instead, the limelight got to his head, and the maestro scuffed his shot wide of goal. Not to be deterred, Raul won a free kick in a dangerous position by the goalline shortly afterwards, outfoxing Torres to earn him a yellow... but the free-kick was cleared well by Konsa.

Whilst Villa were on the ball a touch more, perhaps the natural consequence of going down a goal, we remained a firm competitor in the match. A sharp pass from Torres into McGinn was followed up with one of his own into Watkins, surging along the right, but he rushed his effort and blasted it over. It was the outlier - some resolute defending, comprised of nice marshalling by Bassey and Andersen around the box and the pinpoint interceptions of Sander Berge, suffocated Villa's forwards in front of goal, much to the chagrin of Emery. Despite Villa creeping further into our half, we still strung our own moves together, exposing the gaps left behind by our opponent's advances. A Berge pass forward reached Smith Rowe, bounding ahead of a dozy Bogarde - he smacked his shot into Konsa for a corner, which upon being curled into the box by Lukic was met by Castagne at the far post to head the ball into the net. Yet our exhilaration was short-lived - Berge, grappling with the keeper on the line, was deemed to be committing a foul, and the lead was reset to one.

Muniz arrived for a decently-performing Jimenez, which was a shame - Raul had taken to the game well and had moved fluidly around our attack to keep us proactive. It seemed a turning point for Villa, who kicked their tempo up a bit, moving the ball with some speed to start pinning our defenders in pressured situations. They had the players to sustain the pressure, Tielemans and McGinn getting on the ball more to produce a set of corners and keep Villa dominant for a period - a valiant effort from our backline was needed to keep Leno from facing a lethal finish, comprised of Castagne winning narrow headers ahead of Tielemans, Andersen delivering key slide tackles to repel Rogers dispossessions and the odd punch from the keeper to save his side's graces following crosses into a congested box.

Nerves continued to fray when Villa made a quadruple change, an arsenal of European talents arriving to try and swing the game their way. Bailey, Sancho, Barkley and Douglas Luiz arrived to power Villa towards the points, a sea of claret sweeping over the defence around the box. On another day, we might have collapsed - Sess was forced off after getting injured making a determined run out of trouble along the left, and a smart piece of play from Douglas Luiz to fifth substitute Tammy Abraham saw him nutmeg Andersen right in front of goal, with only his reckless finish denying Villa the equaliser.

But Silva's changes made the difference, as they've done so many times in the past. Bobb and King have faced criticisms for perceived ineffectiveness over the season, but their cameo for us along the left proved vital in seeing out the game. King's tenacity, combined with Bobb's dazzling skill, reverted the pressure back to Villa, as the visitors had to scramble back to support a bewildered Cash fighting a losing battle at right-back. It didn't produce a goal, but the football was beautiful, eating time out of the game and entertaining us in the dying moments of the game. Villa's fresh legs were spent desperately trying to regather their thoughts, and the game devolved into an attritional bout in the centre - perfect for a Fulham side closing out the match. The final whistle blew - we had claimed a deserved three points.

Lukic leads the way
There's a lot to be pleased about today. Silva got his selection exactly right today - Berge and Lukic were brilliant in midfield, combining really smoothly and shutting down the Villa passing options in both areas of the pitch. They fed off each other - Lukic's confidence in bolstering the team in the advanced areas let Berge read the game from deeper, increasing his effectiveness at dealing with Villa's own attacks, whilst the quick balls from Berge back into attack created the opportunities for Fulham to push forward in the game, keeping Lukic involved in the action and improving our standing in the game. Both men rose to the occasion, and won a midfield battle we've lost in many previous outings against Tielemans and co versus Villa. It's Lukic that stood out the most though - the talent has always been there, and with application like this the impact he has on the game can produce marvellous results like this.

Such impressive work made Sessegnon's job much easier, moving into many attacking positions on the left across the game. Perhaps facing McGinn and Rogers, two players that don't always adhere to rightward play, made the conditions a little nicer to travel forward in, but the invention and innovation was clearly there - the man loves attacking, understands what he needs to do offensively and has the speed and intelligence to put himself into the critical moments for us, as he did today. One only hopes Robinson sorts himself out soon so we can see more of the man in his proper attacking position - think of the goals he'd add to our season!

Raul had a really strong game today, getting the better of Torres and Konsa across a combative hour on the pitch, and can consider himself unfortunate not to have had the chance to score today - a sloppy pass from Smith Rowe, and then Wilson hogging the ball from a free kick and a counter-attack would surely have produced at least a goal had they managed to find the Mexican. ESR was strong too, really proactive and forward-thinking in the press, and was a key part of making the difference for us over the course of the game. Wilson, so often the headline-maker, was below his best today - whilst the talent is still there in many a moment, it's yet another game where you find yourself wondering whether it's time for a rest for Harry - more than a few moments today needed a cooler head - or a less tired pair of legs - than the Welshman managed.

A second consecutive clean sheet is nothing to sniff at, but this one is far more worthwhile than at Brentford. Leno will certainly have preferred having less to do today! Andersen pushed through a few difficult moments against Watkins and Abraham to keep Villa at bay, Bassey's athleticism kept us one step ahead of the action across both halves and Castagne had arguably his best 90 minutes of the season managing the right side of the pitch, steeling up for a range of tight defensive contributions and delivering insightful crosses into the box - not to mention the goal he had ruled out! Villa had their chances but they weren't as nerve-wrecking as Ouattara's last weekend, and whilst Rogers and Watkins may ask themselves why they couldn't steer their efforts on target, the ones that were faced a comfortable end in Leno's hands. It was a good day at the Cottage.

Villa's minds elsewhere?
As for the visitors, I don't think they've got too much to worry about - they are still very well placed for a Champions League finish in the league, two places and eight whole points above Brighton in 6th, and it isn't unreasonable to suggest Emery and the players might have been conserving some of their energy for a crunch semi-final in the Europa League against a revitalised Nottingham Forest (and who wouldn't?) Whilst I stand by Fulham being the stronger side on the day, a one-goal defeat is not a disaster, and but a single chance needed to go in for them to walk away with a point.

Bogarde isn't a player Emery should start; he looked mundane next to Tielemans, and was swamped by Fulham men all game. Buendia was underwhelming on the left, with Castagne largely dominant over him throughout the afternoon, and whilst Watkins and Rogers always look a danger together the striker couldn't get his shooting boots working today (granted Abraham didn't fare much better when he came on). The backline was decent, and though it had a few troubles dealing with us in transitive stages I would argue that was caused in midfield - as a unit, they worked hard to shut down a number of our chances, and clearly have the acumen to get themselves close to contention in most of the games they play. They are a tired team playing a lot of games - we took advantage and out-performed them through our tactics.

On that note, with four games to go, there is a real opportunity for Fulham to push themselves ahead of the pack and into Europe. It has arguably never been this close for us under Silva - winnable games against Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle (and never write off an upset at Arsenal) could see us take the points to get into one of the seven - minimum - qualifying places available to English teams this season. It could be the transformational achievement we need at the club, for Silva and beyond. Can the team do it? A few more weekends like this, and we might just find out.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/sessegnon-kickstarts-chase-for-europe

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Silva saw Fulham as 'solid' in 'all aspects of the game'
Marco Silva praised Fulham's defensive solidity after a crucial 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage in the Premier League

Marco Silva spoke about a 1-0 win for Fulham against Aston Villa. The triumph has kept the team in the hunt for the continental competitions, putting smiles on supporters' faces at Craven Cottage.

Good moments on the ball

"We knew before the match it's going to be a crucial game if we want to be in a race for something important, in that bunch of clubs that are fighting for the European places, simple as that. Against a top side, a side that it's not usual to see them not scoring, to see them losing games at this level. They have been very consistent, and that is the reason why they have been playing a great season again.

"Great players, individual players, tactical point of view, they always demand big things from the opposition, and great first half from us. Really pleased with our first half – the way we were solid, and the way we were brave.

"We were very brave first half, pressing them high most of the times. Big risk that we did take, two against two sometimes in the back, with Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey against Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins. We know that it's not easy to stop them, but we did it.

"Good moments on the ball – the goal we scored is a great example of it. We were much more on the ball first half, the second was slightly different. Our pressure was not so aggressive, more difficult to have some moments on the ball. Was really the only thing that we should have done more, to have more of the possession in the second half, because it's going to allow us to create more problems.

"We didn't [keep the ball], but was very solid from ourselves and in all aspects of the game. Back-to-back clean sheets, crucial for us, and it was a massive win. I congratulate the players for the great and hard work from them, from the back line.

Praise for the players

"The great job in our right-hand side with Harry Wilson and Timothy Castagne. The great job from Harry, off the ball, was incredible this afternoon. Great performance from Saša, and all other players around. It's nice to see players coming back to the good level in an important moment of the season.

"The only bad thing is the possible injury for Sess. Let's see what's going to happen. We've been very unlucky recently with some key players for us being out. Let's hope it's nothing special with Sess."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/04/25/aston-villa/1258747-silva-saw-fulham-as-solid-in-all-aspects-of-the-game.html