After just one win in six games, Fulham’s season was threatening to peter out.
This victory ensures there is still something to play for in their final four matches of the campaign.
Marco Silva’s side have tricky fixtures against Arsenal and Bournemouth to come, but afterwards they face Wolves and Newcastle – two winnable matches as they aim to pip the likes of Brentford, Everton and the Cherries to a European place.
Silva was incensed when Castagne’s header was ruled out. He will argue Martinez had as much of Sander Berge’s shirt as the Norway international did of the Argentine’s.
In truth, he need not have worried. Silva’s side largely held Villa at arm’s length in seeing out the match.
Captain Joachim Andersen, who made more tackles, interceptions and clearances then any team-mate, was superb.
The only disappointment came with match-winner Sessegnon, whose new deal takes him until the end of next season, limping off injured in the second half.