A contentious first-half penalty from Raul Jimenez handed Fulham a 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage, serving as a stark reminder to Sean Dyche that his team's relegation battle is far from over.
Flat Forest Punished by Disputed Spot-Kick
Despite collecting 13 points from his first eight league games in charge to ease fears at the City Ground, Sean Dyche saw his side produce a lethargic performance in West London. Fulham, who have played better and lost in recent weeks, did just enough to secure the points. The decisive moment arrived in first-half stoppage time when Douglas Luiz was adjudged to have fouled Fulham's record signing Kevin. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot, and despite Forest's protests and a lengthy delay, Raul Jimenez calmly converted for his third league goal of the season.
Brazilian Spotlight and Midfield Struggles
The match attracted the attention of Brazil's national team setup, with Carlo Ancelotti's assistant Paul Clement in attendance to watch five Brazilian starters. Four featured for Forest, including the unfortunate Douglas Luiz. The midfielder's return to the team, coinciding with Ibrahim Sangare's absence at the Africa Cup of Nations, turned sour with his penalty concession. For Fulham, the £34.6 million signing Kevin endured another difficult outing. While his quick feet won the penalty, he frustrated the home crowd with poor decision-making and was eventually substituted to a mix of cheers and relief.
Jimenez's Grit and Forest's Feeble Response
At 34 years old, Raul Jimenez led the line tirelessly in the absence of the injured Rodrigo Muniz. He missed two excellent chances, heading one into the side netting, but proved a constant physical threat to Forest's defence. After the break, Forest improved marginally but struggled to break down a Fulham defence superbly marshalled by Joachim Andersen and stand-in Jorge Cuenca. Neco Williams forced a routine save from Bernd Leno early in the half, but a flurry of long-range efforts failed to produce an equaliser, leaving Dyche with plenty to ponder as the fight for survival continues.
