Tielemans targets three more wins to secure goal

VILLA midfielder Youri Tielemans says his side have to win their three remaining games to qualify for the Champions League.

- By JONATHAN VEAL

Tielemans' first-half header earned a crunch 1-0 win over Fulham which saw them close the gap on the teams above them in the race for the top five.

But Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Newcastle could keep Villa at arm's length with victories in their matches over the rest of the week-end.

Qualification is not in Villa's hands, so Tielemans knows they have to look after their own business by winning remaining games against Bournemouth, Tottenham and Manchester United.

"All our games now, we know we have to win them to have a chance to be in the Champions League next season," said Tielemans.

"This afternoon was a good win, tough opponent, Fulham are a very good team and obviously we could have finished the game earlier.

"Goal difference is something we know we can improve on and obviously to have a better goal difference for us is key, especially towards the end now.

"Sometimes it can be on goal difference that you're in or out.

"We need to improve on that."

Tielemans was the standout player in a season where he has been among Villa's best players, having made 52 starts.

"Sometimes it's a bit of luck as well, a bad kick can always happen in football," he added.