Fulham vs Aston Villa: Cottagers earn slim win without Iwobi to keep European dreams alive

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.

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.