A decisive penalty from Raul Jimenez handed Fulham a narrow 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on Monday evening, a result that ensures Forest will spend the festive period nervously looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle.
Late First-Half Drama Decides Contest
The match's pivotal moment arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Fulham's Brazilian winger Kevin was caught on the heel by a challenge from Forest's Douglas Luiz as the midfielder attempted to hook the ball clear. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded, a decision contrasting with a similar incident involving Arsenal at the weekend which went unpunished.
Raul Jimenez displayed nerves of steel from the spot, employing a stuttering run-up before calmly sending Forest goalkeeper John Victor the wrong way. The strike marked the Mexican striker's fourth goal of the campaign and maintained his impeccable record from 12 yards for the Cottagers, making it 11 successful penalties from 11 attempts.
Missed Opportunities Prove Costly for Forest
Nottingham Forest had travelled to west London knowing a win would have lifted them above their hosts into 15th place. Their best chance to take the lead came earlier in the first half when a swift move involving Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White released Neco Williams down the left. His low cross found striker Igor Jesus, but the Brazilian blazed his effort high over the bar, summing up a frustrating evening in front of goal for the visitors.
Fulham grew into the game as the half progressed, with Antonee Robinson a persistent threat. The full-back created two good opportunities, first pulling the ball back for Sasa Lukic to drag wide, then delivering a cross that Jimenez could only head into the side-netting.
Resilient Defending Seals the Points
The second half saw Forest apply pressure in search of an equaliser. Bernd Leno in the Fulham goal was called into action, getting down well to parry a stinging drive from Neco Williams and later gathering a effort from Murillo.
However, it was Marco Silva's side who came closest to scoring again. Jimenez missed a golden opportunity to double his tally, glancing a header wide from Kenny Tete's inviting cross when it seemed easier to score. The home side also showed defensive fortitude, exemplified by defender Joachim Andersen, who played on after having a dislocated finger reset on the pitch following a challenge with Jesus.
Relegation Worries Linger for Forest
The final whistle confirmed a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat for Forest at Craven Cottage. The result leaves Sean Dyche's team in 17th place, just one position above the relegation zone. While they retain a five-point cushion over 18th-placed West Ham, being in the bottom three at Christmas is a psychological blow they had hoped to avoid.
For Fulham, the three points provide a welcome boost, moving them further away from the fray and consolidating a mid-table position as the league schedule enters its busy festive period.
