ASTON VILLA closed the gap on the Champions League places with a hard fought 1-0 win against Fulham at Villa Park.

Villa’s unsung hero this season 12th minute header up ‘s side seventh in the table and level on points with and .

Aston Villa players celebrating a goal.Aston Villa earned a hard fought 1-0 win against Fulham at Villa ParkYouri Tielemans scoring a goal during a soccer match.Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the 12th minute at Villa ParkRyan Sessegnon of Fulham kicking a soccer ball during a match.Ryan Sessegnon’s second-half strike was ruled out for handball five minutes into the second half

missed a glorious chance to double Villa’s lead on the brink of half-time, air-kicking Matty Cash’s nippy cross.

Before had the ball in the back of the net in the 55th minute for .

But the former Spurs star’s striker was ruled out for handball with VAR confirming the on-field call.

And that was a shame as it was a lovely finish into the far corner from the forward, but he had clearly used his hand to control the ball.

Emery went bonkers at for losing the ball in midfield, leading to another chance which failed to take.

‘s chances kept passing them by, before Villa’s DonyellMalen thumped an effort against the bar with Leno beaten.

Aston Villa vs Fulham match stats infographic.

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