Youri Tielemans hailed a big three points after Aston Villa triumphed 1-0 over Fulham to close the gap to the top five in the Premier League.
Tielemans’ header in the 12th minute, connecting with John McGinn’s inswinging corner, secured the spoils in the lunchtime kick-off.
Victory moves seventh-placed Villa level with Nottingham Forest and Chelsea on 60 points, albeit having played a game more as the season reaches the home straight.
“All our games now, we know we have to win them to have a chance to be in the Champions League next season,” said Tielemans.
“This afternoon was a good win, tough opponent, Fulham are a very good team and obviously we could have finished the game earlier.
“But credit to the guys, big fight and a good win.”
Tielemans’ impressive performance against the Cottagers deservedly earned him the player of the match award.
It was the Belgium international’s fifth goal of the season in what was his 52nd start of an impressive campaign.
Asked how he’s been able to maintain such consistently high standards throughout, Tielemans said: “Sometimes it’s a bit of luck as well, a bad kick can always happen in football.
“I’ve tried to take care of my body as much as I can, to just play the games and enjoy my football.”
Villa have now won seven of their last eight Premier League matches against Fulham, including five in a row, and have lost just one of their previous 21 league meetings on home soil.
A return to winning ways means the Villans are now unbeaten in 17 Premier League home games since losing to Arsenal at Villa Park in late August - our joint-longest ever run in the competition, with both coming under Unai Emery.
Victory came courtesy of a seventh clean sheet in the league this term, something Tielemans is keen to try and build upon.
“That’s something we know we can improve on and obviously to have a better goal difference for us is key, especially towards the end now,” he said.
“Sometimes it can be on goal difference that you’re in or out.
“We need to improve on that.”
