TRIAL BY YOURI

Tielemans seals a big win but nervy Villa make fans sweat

- BY STEVE BATES

YOURI TIELEMANS' early header bagged a vital win for Aston Villa as they kept hopes of a Champions League return alive.

The win moved the Midlands men to 60 points, level with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, and just two points behind fourth-placed Newcastle.

Villa held firm, despite heavy Fulham pressure, to bag a massive victory.

Asked how important the three points were to securing European football next season, boss Unai Emery said: "If we weren't winning today then forget it completely.

"Today, we got more or less to be close to Europe. Wow, fantastic, brilliant. The best gift after it is the Europa League or the Champions League.