Raúl Jiménez’s latest flawless strike from the penalty spot gave Fulham a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage, a result that felt more like escape than exhibition. The Mexican forward converted in first-half stoppage time after Brazilian winger Kevin was tripped by Douglas Luiz, moving the hosts 10 points clear of the relegation zone and within three points of a European place, while opening up a five-point gap to their visitors.
In the final Premier League fixture before Christmas, Forest controlled long stretches of possession and tempo but failed to turn their superiority into chances of real substance. Bernd Leno was rarely extended, and while Fulham struggled badly for inspiration in their first league outing without the attacking spark of Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, they created the game’s decisive moment and survived a nervy second half to claim back-to-back league wins. Sean Dyche’s side remain marooned in the relegation mix despite a five-point cushion over West Ham.
Soft-looking penalty proves the game’s turning point
For 45 largely turgid minutes there was little to separate the sides, and even less to stir an anxious Craven Cottage. Fulham’s attack sputtered, Forest’s lacked conviction, and the evening threatened to drift towards the interval goalless until Kevin produced the game’s one genuine flash of penalty-box trickery. Driving into the area, the Brazilian’s quick feet took the ball away just as Douglas Luiz, already on the turf, swung a boot in an attempt to hook clear inside his own box. Instead, he caught Kevin on the heel.