Tielemans’ Header Seals Crucial Win as Villans Fight for Historic Back-to-Back Qualification
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery couldn’t hide his delight after his side’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Villa Park, calling it “very important” in their quest to secure consecutive Champions League qualifications for the first time in the club’s history.
The match was decided by Youri Tielemans’ first-half header from a well-worked corner routine, keeping Villa level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea in what’s becoming an increasingly tense race for European spots.
“Europe is everything for our progress as a club,” Emery told reporters, his eyes gleaming with ambition. “The Champions League? That’s our dream. After tasting it this season, we’re desperate to go back – and the players are giving everything to make it happen.”
The Spanish tactician reserved special praise for match-winner Tielemans, saying: “He’s the perfect professional – completely committed every single day. Today you saw exactly why we brought him to Villa Park.”
Captain John McGinn admitted the squad were still hurting from their FA Cup semi-final heartbreak against Crystal Palace but insisted the team has refocused on their European push. “These three points are massive,” the Scottish midfielder said. “When you get older, you realize these opportunities don’t come around often. We’re not letting this slip.”
Tielemans, still buzzing from his match-winning contribution, revealed his goal came straight from the training ground. “We practiced that exact corner routine this week – perfect timing!” the Belgian midfielder grinned. “But we know we’ve got to be more clinical. Every game now is like a final if we want to dine at Europe’s top table again next season.”
With Tottenham and Chelsea breathing down their necks, Villa’s remaining fixtures will test their Champions League credentials to the limit. But as Emery’s men left the pitch to thunderous applause, one thing was clear – this is a squad that believes dreams can become reality.
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