Raúl Jiménez scored five minutes from time to give Fulham a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium, deepening West Ham's relegation worries. The Mexican striker's second goal in as many matches secured a third straight win for Fulham, while West Ham remain five points adrift of safety after a costly mistake from 20-year-old full-back Ollie Scarles.
West Ham had the chance to cut the gap to 17th place to two points after Manchester City's lunchtime win at Nottingham Forest, but instead they slipped further into danger. The defeat was their sixth consecutive London derby loss at home, and they have taken only three points from their last seven games. Fans held up red cards and chanted 'sack the board' in protest against owner David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
The decisive moment came when Scarles swung at an air shot while attempting to clear, allowing Harry Wilson to lift a cross to the far post for Jiménez to tuck home. Scarles was in tears after the match. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo said: 'We are all disappointed and sad, but we stick together. He has our total confidence and support. Mistakes are part of the game. Today and tonight is going to be tough, but tomorrow is another day and then we are playing again.'
Fulham had earlier had chances through Jiménez and Wilson, while West Ham threatened via Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville. Bernd Leno made a fine save to deny Bowen, and Alphonse Areola was forced into action at the other end. Calum Wilson also went close for the visitors, but it was Jiménez who made the difference.
'It's special for us, to be winning three games in a row,' said Jiménez. 'We are happy to finish the year with a win and we want to start next year with the same. We are playing well, having control of the games, we know we are going to have our chances to score. It was late but in the end it's 1-0 and we go home with three points.'
