Aston Villa secured their place in Europe next season and Hull City remained dangerously close to the relegation zone after John Carew gave the Midlanders a 1-0 Premier League victory Monday.

The battle between two of the least in-form teams in the league was decided after 34 minutes at Villa Park when Carew turned in a cross from Ashley Young following a sharp counter-attack.

It was Villa's first win in 13 games in all competitions and though they cannot now catch fourth-placed Arsenal, it edged them back two points above Everton who are sixth.

Villa are now assured of a top-six finish and a place in the Europa League, next season's replacement for the UEFA Cup.

Hull, who have plummeted down the table after a flying start to their first season in the top flight, remain on 34 points, three points above third from bottom Newcastle United with three games remaining.