Marco Silva pleased to see Fulham shine in the sun and boost drive for Europe

Marco Silva said Fulham played “on the grass, not the beach” after they kept their European challenge alive with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

Ryan Sessegnon hit the winner late in the first half as the hosts drew level on points with Chelsea and Brentford in a tightly packed Premier League table.

It was only a second win in six games for Silva’s side, whose inconsistency may yet prove an obstacle in their top-seven pursuit, but in glorious conditions and backed by a vociferous crowd, they showed the heights they are capable of reaching.

Silva said: “Did you see us on the beach today? “It was early kick-off, sunny moment, but it was to be on the grass, not on the beach.”

The goal to beat Unai Emery’s lacklustre side came in the 43rd minute. Emiliano Martinez’s quick reflexes kept out Sasa Lukic’s header, but Villa were slow to clock the threat of the lurking Sessegnon who fired between the legs of Ezri Konsa on the goal line.

“This about being on the beach is not something I recognise at all in our players,” said Silva. “It’s much more about quality and capacity to win games than to be on the beach.”

Timothy Castagne headed the ball in for a second time from Lukic’s corner midway through the second half but Sander Berge was penalised for impeding Martinez.

Fulham held on though to lay down a challenge to their rivals for Europe.

“It was crucial,” said Silva. “I’m really ambitious and demanding and I want this club to go as far as can be. I’m pushing everybody forwards. Sometimes probably too much, but it’s the way I see football. It’s the way I live in my job. It’s not a simple job but it’s something that I love.”

Villa were complicit in their own downfall and poor throughout. Not since their eight-game