Aston Villa's pursuit of a top-five finish in the Premier League suffered a setback with a 2-1 defeat to Fulham on April 25, 2026, at Craven Cottage. The result leaves Villa in sixth place, three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea with three games remaining.
Fulham took the lead in the 23rd minute through a goal from striker Aleksandar Mitrović, who converted a cross from Harry Wilson. Villa equalized just before halftime when Ollie Watkins scored from a pass by Leon Bailey. However, Fulham regained the lead in the 67th minute when Andreas Pereira scored from a free kick.
Villa manager Unai Emery described the loss as 'very difficult' for the team's ambitions. 'We had chances but didn't take them. Fulham were clinical,' Emery said after the match. 'The top-five race is now very tight, and we need to win our remaining games.'
Fulham's victory moved them to 10th place in the table, while Villa's hopes of qualifying for European competition now depend on results in their final matches against Liverpool, Brighton, and Crystal Palace.
