Youri Tielemans's powerful header from a corner in the 12th minute proved decisive at Villa Park, where Fulham's own European aspirations were potentially dented somewhat.

The Belgian also came close to a second on the stroke of half-time. His effort from range was bending in before Bernd Leno, at full-stretch, tipped it wide.

Fulham thought it had restored parity five minutes after the break, but Ryan Sessegnon's volleyed equaliser was disallowed.

The ball bounced up against his arm before he hit the shot, with the referee cutting celebrations short.

The Cottagers failed to build on that momentum, despite half-chances for Harry Wilson and Joachim Andersen, and they were lucky not to lose by more.

Villa boss Unai Emery hailed the win and the Spaniard is eager to ensure the club's return to Europe's premier club competition.

"It's a fantastic victory," he said. "Through the Premier League, we are setting our objective because, through it, we can play in Europe again.

"Fulham are nine points behind us and this victory against this opponent was very important. We did it. We performed fantastically.

"Even when we were winning 1-0, we had chances, but didn't score another. We could have had some problems defensively, but we defended well, we were focused on the 90 minutes and we played a good match.

"We deserved to win and maybe to score one more. I'm very happy because to be in Europe is the objective, and our dream is to repeat playing in the [UEFA] Champions League.

"We're not favourites because other teams are in front of us, but we can continue to dream for it, playing strongly to [qualify again for] the [UEFA] Champions League.

"The real objective is for us to be in Europe and, after today, we are close to being there."

Having had a flavour of UEFA Champions League football this term, Villa wants to be back at Europe's top table again in 2025-2026.

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

"It is the biggest European competition club wise. We have had a taste this season, and we want to do it again.

"This afternoon was a good win. A tough opponent, Fulham are a very good team. We could have finished the game earlier, but credit to the guys. Good fight and good win."

Fulham boss Marco Silva hailed the mentality demonstrated by his players at Villa Park, despite likely missing out on Europe themselves.

"We had to deal better in [the first half] but, even so, not many chances for them, and they scored from a set-piece," he said. "[It is] always very difficult for us to take.

"Our reaction in the last 10 minutes [of the first half] was a little bit better. We started to be much more aggressive in the pressure moments.

"[In the] second half, the reaction was very good from us, and we knew we had to go and try to press a bit more, man for man, all over the pitch.

"Harry Wilson has a great chance for us to equalise. Of course, after that, they had some chances to score, but the game was completely balanced.

"The team showed a great spirit again, great attitude towards the end of the match. Unfortunately, we didn't score and we lost the game.

"It is a sad moment for us. Now, next week, we have another game to play, and very important for us to get the three points."

Villa remains seventh on goal difference, having moved to 60 points, level with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, which play on Monday and Tuesday (AEST) respectively.

Fulham stays eighth on 51, but is in danger of slipping further down the standings by the end of the weekend.