Fulham did not allow the absence of Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi slow them down as they earned a crucial win over Aston Villa
Super Eagles star Alex Iwovi was absent through injury, but his Nigerian compatriots Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey helped Fulham to a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League.
A late first half goal from Ryan Sessengon was enough for the Cottagers to snatch all three points against Aston Villa, giving them hope for a late push for European football next season.
Fulham vs Aston Villa: How it happened
The hosts started brightly and could have taken the lead inside two minutes, but Emile Smith-Rowe’s misplaced pass denied Raúl Jiménez a clear opening. Fulham continued to threaten, with Jiménez and Saša Lukić both testing Emiliano Martínez early on after failing to register a shot on target in their previous outing.
Villa gradually grew into the contest and came close through Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, but Fulham struck just before half-time. Martínez parried Lukić’s header into the path of Ryan Sessegnon, who calmly slotted home through a crowded box to give the hosts the advantage.
Fulham had chances to extend their lead after the break, with Harry Wilson dragging a good opportunity wide and Timothy Castagne seeing a goal ruled out for a foul on Martínez. Villa, meanwhile, struggled to make their pressure count, with Watkins wasting a golden chance and Tammy Abraham missing the visitors’ final major opportunity late on.
The result moves Fulham within one point of seventh place as they chase a first European qualification since 2011/12, while Villa remain in the hunt for Champions League football but still need six more points to secure their place.