The race for the top eight in the Champions League continues to heat up after Monaco beat Aston Villa 1-0 to draw level with Unai Emery's side.
Villa are now precariously balanced in seventh place, supported only by their superior goal difference, having previously been tipped to avoid the knockout stages of the play-offs.
The two sides were separated by eight places going into the clash at the Stade Louis II, but that was quickly reduced to two places, either side of the top eight, thanks to Wilfried Sing's header inside the first 10 minutes.
An unforced error by Tyrone Mings led to a corner for the hosts and despite a stunning save from Emiliano Martinez to deny Thilo Kehrer early on, the Argentinian keeper could do nothing about the clearance.
His counterpart at the other end, Radoslaw Majecki, also played his part by ensuring the lead remained intact at the break by getting down well to his right to tip Ollie Watkins' only chance of the half around the post.
Not even the introduction of Jhon Duran from the bench in the 56th minute could spark Villa into life, with the visitors posing no threat after the restart apart from Matty Cash's effort which was deflected away.
For Monaco, it was another triumph against an English team at home which opens up their chances of automatic promotion.
They have now won five of their last six home games against the Premier League, with Villa joining Chelsea. Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City are on the list of victims.