Aston Villa boss won't give up on Champions League dream

Youri Tielemans’ 12th minute header earned Villa a win which moved them level on points with rivals Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.

With just three matches left to play, Emery acknowledged Villa’s chances of catching those above would have been all but over with defeat.

Instead, the win means they are almost guaranteed a place in Europe next season - and it is the Champions League they are targeting. 

He said: “If we weren't winning today, forget it completely. We have to go each match try to win, if we are winning like today, okay, the next one. 

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

“Champion League, OK, we are going to try to get it, but we are not contenders. We are not favourites to get it because there is Nottingham Forest in front of us, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle. 

“But we will fight for it - Europe, and hopefully we can fight for the Champions League.”

Tielemans was denied a second goal by a superb Bernd Leno save, with the goalkeeper also denying Ollie Watkins in the second half

Substitute Donyell Malen then hit the bar in stoppage time but while Villa’s failure to get a second meant things remained nervy, Fulham failed to seriously test Emi Martinez.

Villa are now unbeaten in 17 Premier League home matches, equalling the record set earlier in Emery’s reign.

Asked about the home record, Emery replied: “Very important. We are feeling so, so strong. We are feeling comfortable and strong with confidence. 

“We are transmitting our fans their wishes. They are helping us. Here at Villa Park we can feel that this is our fortress. The supporters always help us.”