Fulham manager Marco Silva was delighted with the first half performance that led to Fulham’s victory over Aston Villa.
It was our first victory over these opponents in seven meetings since Unai Emery has been in charge there, courtesy of a trademark Ryan Sessegnon finish towards the end of the first half.
“We knew before the match that it's going to be a crucial game if we want to be in a race for something important, in that bunch of clubs that are fighting for the European places, simple as that,” Silva said.
“Against a top side, a side that it’s not usual to see them not scoring, not usual to see them losing games at this level. They have been very consistent, and that is the reason why they have been playing a great season again.
“Great players, individual players, tactical point of view, they always demand big things from the opposition, and great first half from us. Really pleased with our first half – the way we were solid, and the way we were brave.
“We were very brave first half, pressing them high most of the times. Big risk that we did take, two against two sometimes in the back, with Joa and Calvin against [Morgan] Rogers and [Ollie] Watkins. We know that it's not easy to stop them, but we did it.
“Good moments on the ball – the goal we scored is a great example of it. We were much more on the ball first half, the second was slightly different.
“Our pressure was not so aggressive, more difficult to have some moments on the ball. Was really the only thing that we should have done more, to have more of the possession in the second half, because it's going to allow us to create more problems for them. We didn't, but was very solid from ourselves and in all aspects of the game.
“Back-to-back clean sheets, crucial for us, and it was a massive, massive win. I congratulate the players for the great and hard work from them, from the back line, the great job in our right-hand side with Harry Wilson and Timothy Castagne.
“The great job from Harry, off the ball, was incredible again this afternoon. Another great performance from Saša, and all the other players around. It's nice to see some players coming back to the good level in an important moment of the season.
“The only bad thing is the possible injury for Sess. Let's see what's going to happen. We have been very unlucky recently with some key players for us being out. Let's hope it’s nothing special with Sess.”