Aston Villa clinched a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham in Matchweek 35, grinding out three points in a contest defined by fine margins and defensive grit.

? Match Overview & Key Stats

Aston Villa managed 10 shots (2 on target) and created 1.02 xG, just edging Fulham’s 8 shots (3 on target) and 0.78 xG. Fulham actually had more touches in the opposition box (20 vs Villa’s 19), but couldn’t convert their promising moves into clear-cut chances.

Villa saw more of the ball (54% possession), but Fulham were dogged, racking up 18 fouls and forcing Villa into quick decisions in midfield. The Villans’ winning goal came early: Youri Tielemans struck in the 12th minute from a low xG chance (0.07), a rare clinical moment in a cagey affair.

? Momentum & xG Narrative

The xG timeline shows a relatively slow build from both sides. Tielemans’ early goal gave Villa a slim xG lead they never relinquished, but Fulham’s xG curve crept upward steadily in the second half as they pushed for an equalizer.

While Fulham’s pressure grew after halftime, their attacking momentum didn’t translate into high-quality chances-Villa’s defense held firm in key moments. Neither side ever broke away in momentum; it was a tactical chess match from start to finish.

? Shots & Goal Threat Analysis

Villa’s shot map highlights their preference for central and half-space efforts just outside the six-yard box, including Tielemans’ winning strike. Despite only two shots on target, Villa found the net from their first good look. Their 10 shots were fairly spread, with a few speculative efforts from distance but most clustered around the penalty spot.

Fulham’s shot map tells a similar story of near-misses: 8 attempts, 3 on target, but none truly golden. Their highest xG effort came from a central shot worth 0.35 xG that was blocked-a key “what-if” moment for the visitors.

? In-Possession Tactics: Passing Patterns

Villa’s pass map reveals a balanced, compact structure, anchored by Kamara and Tielemans in midfield linking the defensive and attacking thirds. Wide play was less prominent; instead, Villa focused on tight triangles in central areas, with McGinn and Asensio drifting between lines to connect with Watkins.

Fulham’s pass map shows a solid buildup phase centered around Lukic and Bassey, but fewer progressive passes into the final third. Their attack leaned slightly left through Robinson and Sessegnon, but despite tidy interplay around midfield, Fulham struggled to break Villa’s defensive block with meaningful penetrations.

? In Closing

Aston Villa’s narrow victory was a case study in efficient football: one good chance converted, defensive solidity maintained, and game control managed without ever over-committing. Fulham will rue their missed opportunities and inability to turn possession into danger, especially in a second half where they asked questions but couldn’t find answers.

A gritty three points for Villa, who continue to grind out results as the season nears its close. Fulham left frustrated, their efforts falling just short of breaching a stubborn Villa defense.