A moment of ice-cold precision from Raúl Jiménez from the penalty spot proved decisive as Fulham secured a vital 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage. The win, Fulham's second in a row, lifts Marco Silva's side ten points clear of the relegation zone and deals a significant blow to Forest's own survival hopes.
Penalty Perfection from the Spot
The game's solitary moment of true quality arrived on the stroke of half-time. Fulham winger Kevin, who had been a persistent threat, darted into the area from the left and was tripped by the experienced Forest midfielder Douglas Luiz. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot without hesitation.
Up stepped Raúl Jiménez for the ultimate test of nerve. The Mexican striker engaged in a battle of wits with goalkeeper John Victor, employing a stuttered run-up before calmly slotting the ball into the opposite corner as the Forest keeper dove left. It was a textbook demonstration of composure under pressure.
The successful conversion marked Jiménez's 11th penalty from 11 attempts in the Premier League, drawing him level with Yaya Touré for the best 100% conversion rate in the competition's history. Former Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov is next on the list with nine from nine.
A Battle of Attrition at the Cottage
Fulham manager Marco Silva admitted afterwards that his team lacked flowing confidence, with a stretched squad missing key players like Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze due to the Africa Cup of Nations. The priority was the result, not entertainment.
The Cottagers' defensive duo of Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca were outstanding, effectively nullifying Forest's attacking threat for large periods. Beyond Jiménez's penalty, Fulham created the better chances, with Sasa Lukic shooting narrowly wide and Jiménez himself heading into the side netting.
The introduction of Tom Cairney in the second half provided more control, and the midfielder was denied a clinching second goal by a fine save from John Victor in the 72nd minute.
Forest's Away Day Blues Continue
For Nottingham Forest, managed by Sean Dyche, it was a frustrating evening characterised by a lack of cutting edge. Despite plenty of effort, they managed just one shot on target—a long-range effort from Neco Williams—and their creative players failed to make an impact.
Dyche labelled it a "low-level game quality wise" and bemoaned his side's inability to penetrate a deep-lying defence. The defeat means Forest's worrying away form continues, leaving them looking over their shoulder with their five-point cushion over the bottom three intact but not extended.
The result underscores Fulham's resilience and their ability to grind out crucial points, while Forest must quickly find a formula for success on the road if they are to secure their top-flight status for another season.
