Results| Sunday 22/02 |
Palace | 1-0 | Wolves |
Forest | 0-1 | Liverpool |
Sunderland | 1-3 | Fulham |
| | Raúl (x2)
Iwobi |
Spurs | 1-4 | Arsenal |
Sunderland 1-3 Fulham
At a glance
Raul Jimenez gives Fulham the lead midway through the first half
He doubles the visitors' lead from the penalty spot after Brian Brobbey fouls Calvin Bassey
Enzo le Fee's late penalty gives Sunderland hope but Alex Iwobi adds a third
Fulham in 10th place, Sunderland 12th
Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham ended a three-match Premier League losing run with victory at Sunderland.
The Mexico striker peeled off his marker in the penalty area to head in Alex Iwobi's 54th-minute corner to break the deadlock.
Seven minutes later Fulham were awarded a penalty when referee Craig Pawson was sent to the pitchside monitor and adjudged Brian Brobbey pulled on Calvin Bassey's shirt in the area.
Jimenez made no mistake from the spot, sending Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs the wrong way for his 13th successful penalty out of 13 in the Premier League.
Sunderland replied in the 76th minute when Dan Ballard drove into the area and was bundled to the floor by Ryan Sessegnon to win his side a penalty.
Enzo le Fee found the top corner with his powerful spot-kick to give the hosts hope.
But Fulham completed a league double over Sunderland for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign with a third goal on the counter-attack with five minutes left.
Harry Wilson broke clear and slipped in Alex Iwobi who dinked a calm finish over Roefs for his first strike since December.
Fulham's first league win since they beat Brighton 2-1 on 24 January - and first away in the top flight this year - moved them above Sunderland and 10th in the table.
Fulham analysis: Jimenez's quality the difference
Jimenez's double took his tally to 11 for club and county in 36 appearances this season.
The 34-year-old had last scored against Manchester United in a 3-2 defeat on 1 February.
Jimenez, though, may have been fortunate to have still been on the pitch, having been booked in the first half for catching Ballard with a flailing arm and almost getting a second yellow card for the same offence on Omar Alderete a few minutes later.
In a drab game with few chances before his opener, Jimenez's quality in the box sparked it into life.
He was denied a chance of a hat-trick when he was substituted for Rodrigo Muniz in the 65th minute.
Fulham boss Marco Silva was also forced into taking off Kevin, who picked up a muscle injury in the first half, having come into the team to replace the injured Samuel Chukwueze.
But Fulham still had an attacking threat and Wilson continued his fine individual form by assisting Iwobi's late goal.
Since the start of November, only Erling Haaland (17) and Bruno Fernandes (15) have been involved in more Premier League goals than the Wales winger (7 goals and 5 assists).
Sunderland analysis: Consecutive home losses for Black Cats
Having started the season with an impressive 12-match unbeaten run at home in the Premier League, Sunderland have now lost their past two games at the Stadium of Light, failing to bounce back from their defeat to Liverpool.
Moments before Fulham's opener, Romaine Mundle was played in by Lutsharel Geertruida, but he missed the target from only a few yards out.
Nilson Angulo also had an effort touched over the bar when Sunderland were trailing 2-0.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Black Cats, made worse by two first-half injuries.
Manager Regis le Bris lost defender Nordi Mukiele - impressive this season - and Jocelin Ta Bi, who was making his first league start for the club.
But the sight of captain Granit Xhaka returning in the second half after a four-match absence was a welcome one as Sunderland look to halt a worrying run of four losses in five league games.
What's next for these teams?
Sunderland, in 12th place, travel to Bournemouth on Saturday, 28 February (12:30 GMT), while Fulham host London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, 1 March (14:00 GMT).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cgk2m5p5l30t
Post-Sunderland Press Conference
Marco Silva hailed a crucial win after Fulham returned to form with an impressive 3-1 away victory over Sunderland.
Travelling to the Stadium of Light looking to turn around a difficult run of Premier League results, a brace from Raúl Jimenez and a breakaway goal from Alex Iwobi produced a clinical display to claim three points.
"A big win," Marco said. "We knew that it was going to be another crucial game for us - very important.
"We came into it with some not good results for us in the Premier League, of course, after an incredible run during December and January. We wanted to bounce back at a place that has been very difficult for other teams to play, against Sunderland.
"It's a tough place to come with incredible support, they are capable of pushing them forward and making life difficult for the opposition. It's been working well for them and we knew it.
"Of course, the pitch wasn't perfect for both sides. We knew that this game needed certain types of characteristics and we did it. We knew that we had to keep the organisation and the composure, and we had to be aggressive."
Fulham made their moments count in front of goal, with Raúl's first goal coming from a well-worked set-piece, before the advantage was doubled from the penalty spot.
"We were clinical. A very good goal from a corner, very well-prepared and executed very well. We prepared that moment for Raúl and he scored. After that, a clear penalty and we score to make it 2-0.
"After the 2-1 is the moment that pleased me. We ended really well despite the pressure from the stadium buzzing in that moment. There were no chances from them until our third goal, and we scored the third goal in an incredible moment from us.
"Credit to Sunderland for the way they made life difficult for us, as always. But overall I think we deserved the three points. It's a big win for us."
Marco also used his press conference to give an update on Kevin, who was forced off with an injury just before the half-time whistle.
"It doesn't look good unfortunately, but I cannot be 100 per cent sure as it's too soon. Probably tomorrow or in two days time we're going to know more about it and hopefully it's nothing serious, but right now the feeling is not the best. We have to wait."
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/22/post-sunderland-press-conference/
Jimenez scores twice as Fulham win at Sunderland
Raul Jimenez scored twice for Fulham as they won at the Stadium of Light.
The striker opened the scoring early in the second half and his penalty then made it 2-0.
Enzo Le Fée responded for Sunderland, also with a penalty, before Alex Iwobi's late goal sealed a Whites' victory that lifted them to 10th in the Premier League table.
On a less positive note for Fulham, record signing Kevin went off during the first half with a worrying-looking injury.
Jimenez headed Marco Silva's side in front with a header from Iwobi's left-wing corner.
The goal came a couple of minutes after an astonishing miss by Sunderland's Romaine Mundle, who fired wide of the target from point-blank range.
It proved to be a costly miss for the Black Cats because Fulham then scored twice in the space of seven minutes.
Jimenez doubled the lead from the spot after Brian Brobbey pulled Calvin Bassey's shirt in the box and, after a VAR check, referee Craig Pawson awarded the penalty after viewing the pitchside monitor.
Sunderland were given hope with a penalty of their own, fired in by Le Fée after Ryan Sessegnon's needless foul on Dan Ballard.
But as the hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Fulham hit them on the counter-attack, with Harry Wilson setting up Iwobi, who coolly lifted the ball over keeper Robin Roefs.
Fulham: Leno, Tete (Castagne 88), Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon (Cuenca 88), Berge, Iwobi (Cairney 88), Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin (Bobb 45), Raul (Muniz 65)
Subs not used: Lecomte, Diop, Reed, King,
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/sunderland-v-fulham-win-jimenez
Raul Jimenez at double as Fulham secure impressive win at Sunderland
Alex Iwobi made sure of the points for the visitors after Enzo Le Fee had given the hosts hope following Raul Jimenez's double.
Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham ended a three-match losing Premier League run with a 3-1 triumph at Sunderland.
Neither goalkeeper was particularly troubled in a lacklustre first half, but both sides were handed injury worries with Sunderland duo Nordi Mukiele and Jocelin Ta Bi unable to continue and Kevin forced off for the Cottagers just before half-time.
The game burst into life after the break when Jimenez's header broke the deadlock, and seven minutes later he doubled the visitors' advantage from a penalty.
Sunderland responded 14 minutes from time when Enzo Le Fee converted from the spot, but Fulham restored their two-goal lead in the 85th minute through Alex Iwobi.
The result saw Marco Silva's team become only the second side to beat the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light this season, with Regis Le Bris' men slipping to their third straight league loss.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-raul-jimenez-sunderland-alex-iwobi-premier-league-b2925285.html
Sunderland 1-3 Fulham(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/1600x1600/c6edafb0-1006-11f1-abbf-fb1a2e242d54.png)
A clinical brace from Raúl Jiménez and composed finish from Alex Iwobi earned Fulham a fine 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
After a tightly contested but goalless first-half, our number seven broke the deadlock with a header and a penalty to put us firmly in control.
The Black Cats briefly threatened a comeback with a spot-kick of their own, but Iwobi struck on the counter to ensure our long journey home would be a happy one.
In place of the injured Samuel Chukwueze, Kevin was handed a start after his goal in last week's FA Cup victory at Stoke. The XI was otherwise unchanged from our previous Premier League outing against Manchester City, although Antonee Robinson was absent from the squad.
On a sunny Wearside afternoon — albeit with a bite in the air — the contest took time to ignite, with little of note in the early exchanges. Fulham fashioned the first opening on 17 minutes when Kevin, linking neatly with Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi, flashed a fierce drive narrowly wide.
Sunderland threatened sporadically and pressed our back line well. When Jocelin Ta Bi's corner dropped invitingly for Lutsharel Geertruida, Joachim Andersen had to react sharply to charge down the RB Leipzig loanee's effort.
We responded with another promising move as Emile Smith Rowe threaded Ryan Sessegnon through on goal. The left-back shifted onto his right foot and curled an effort just beyond the far post.
With ten minutes of the half remaining, Kevin shrugged off his marker on the left before Harry Wilson's cross was diverted behind by Trai Hume. At the other end, Noah Sadiki tried his luck from distance, but it was comfortably gathered by Bernd Leno.
There was a setback for Marco Silva moments before the interval, as Kevin — who had been one of our liveliest outlets — hobbled off after a challenge near the touchline. Oscar Bobb was introduced in his place.
Sunderland began the second period strongly and after Geertruida dispossessed Sessegnon and fed Romaine Mundle, Fulham were relieved to see the forward drag his effort wide.
However, the breakthrough arrived at the other end. When Wilson was freed down the right and his ball was nodded down by Raúl, Iwobi's strike had to be deflected behind for a corner by Hume. From that corner, Raúl rose highest to nod in the opener.
We were given the chance to double that lead not long after, as Calvin Bassey's shirt was pulled in the box. The penalty was correctly awarded following a VAR review, and Raúl showed expert nerve to stutter his run-up and send Robin Roefs the wrong way.
As the home supporters became increasingly agitated, their team almost reduced the deficit. Nilson Angulo had plenty of space at the far post but blazed over the crossbar.
Régis Le Bris' side did pull one back with 15 minutes remaining. Dan Ballard went down under the challenge of Sessegnon, and Enzo Le Fee powered the spot-kick past Leno.
But as Sunderland pushed for an equaliser, Fulham were able to punish them on the break. Wilson drove forward and waited until the perfect moment to feed Iwobi, whose delicate finish made the result safe with five minutes left.
There were nine added minutes for Marco's men to see out, but they did so with relative ease, controlling the closing stages and sending their travelling fans home happy.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/february/22/sunderland-1-3-fulham/
Sunderland 1-3 Fulham: Raul Jimenez fires Cottagers back into top half
Raul Jimenez bagged a brace early in the second half to lead Fulham to a 3-1 victory over Sunderland, snapping the Cottagers' three-game losing streak and moving back into the top half of the Premier League table on Sunday.
Jimenez headed home Alex Iwobi's corner kick in the 54th minute and converted from the penalty spot in the 61st to put Fulham 2-0 ahead before Enzo Le Fee scored a spot kick of his own in the 76th. Sunderland pushed for a second goal, but eventually the Black Cats were left wide open at the back and Iwobi put the game to bed with a clever finish over Robin Roefs to restore the two-goal.
Fulham (37 points) leapfrogged four teams with the win and sit 10th with 11 games left to play. Sunderland (36 points) are now losers of three straight themselves and have slipped down to 12th in the table following their sensational start to the season.
What's next?
Bournemouth vs Sunderland — Saturday, 7:30 am ET
Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur — Sunday, 9 am ET
Sunderland vs Fulham final score: 1-3
Goalscorers: Raul Jimenez (54', 61' - PK), Enzo Le Fee (76' - PK), Alex Iwobi (85')
https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/sunderland-1-3-fulham-video-highlights-analysis-recap
Sunderland 1-3 Fulham: Raul Jimenez at the double as Cottagers move into top half
Marco Silva's side snapped a three-game losing streak on Wearside
Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham ended a three-match losing Premier League run with a 3-1 triumph at Sunderland.
Neither goalkeeper was particularly troubled in a lacklustre first half, but both sides were handed injury worries with Sunderland duo Nordi Mukiele and Jocelin Ta Bi unable to continue and Kevin forced off for the Cottagers just before half-time.
The game burst into life after the break when Jimenez's header broke the deadlock, and seven minutes later he doubled the visitors' advantage from a penalty.
Sunderland responded 14 minutes from time when Enzo Le Fee converted from the spot, but Fulham restored their two-goal lead in the 85th minute through Alex Iwobi.
The result saw Marco Silva's team become only the second side to beat the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light this season, with Regis Le Bris' men slipping to their third straight league loss.
Following a quiet opening, Nilson Angulo burst down the left flank for the hosts, but his low pass into the area was turned behind by Sander Berge.
Kenny Tete smashed a shot into Omar Alderete and Kevin skewed a shot wide from the left as the Cottagers looked for the opener.
Premier League debutant Jocelin then sent a corner into Lutsharel Geertruida - a 12th-minute replacement for the injured Mukiele - but his shot was blocked, with Fulham then going close when Emile Smith Rowe played a neat pass into Ryan Sessegnon, who curled the ball over the crossbar.
A deep Sunderland free-kick was quickly sent back into their half and Kevin wrestled the ball off Angulo before finding Harry Wilson on the break, but his effort was cleared behind by Trai Hume.
The Black Cats were handed another injury blow with Jocelin forced off and Romaine Mundle was introduced, before Noah Sadiki had a long-range strike held by Bernd Leno.
Fulham were also forced into a change on the stroke of half-time when Kevin came off for Oscar Bobb.
Sunderland had an excellent opportunity early in the second half when Geertruida won the ball outside the box and played Mundle through, but the winger blasted his shot wide.
The visitors went close when Iwobi's shot was cleared by Hume but, from the resulting corner, Iwobi's delivery was met by Jimenez, who moved away from his marker and flicked a header into the bottom corner in the 54th minute.
Seven minutes later, following a VAR review, Brian Brobbey was ruled to have pulled Calvin Bassey's shirt in the box and, from the penalty spot, Jimenez coolly rolled the ball into the corner.
Granit Xhaka made his return from injury as one of three substitutes in the 71st minute as the Black Cats searched for a response and they pulled one back five minutes later when Le Fee fired home from the penalty spot after Dan Ballard was fouled by Sessegnon in the area.
However, the visitors made the game safe in the 85th minute when a Sunderland corner was cleared towards Wilson, who charged up the pitch and played a pass into Iwobi, who slotted into the far corner.
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland-fulham-fc-premier-league-jimenez-b1272012.html
Fulham end losing streak in league with 3-1 win over Sunderland
A Jimenez double and late Iwobi goal saw Fulham top an action-packed second half at the Stadium of Light
Who said the league season's over? Fulham ended the losing streak with a strong performance at the Stadium of Light today, a busy second half seeing a Raul Jimenez double and a late Iwobi finish earn a 3-1 win for the team. We enjoyed some of our better football in recent weeks, as a determined Sunderland side were beaten with smart attacking play to strike an advantage, and though the hosts were far from completely demolished our quality made the difference as we completed a double over the newly promoted side. There were some flaws, of course, but the result is what ultimately matters, and Fulham have a good platform heading into a string of home matches as a result.
First Half
Attritional might be the word to describe the opening portion of the game. Sunderland started without Granit Xhaka, arguably the best signing of the season, are missing left-back Reinildo to injury and saw high-profile name in Mukiele trudge off hurt minutes after the teams kicked off. With our well-documented fitness problems, men like Raul, Wilson and Smith Rowe playing in seemingly every game for months, the football was subdued, lacking the flair and bite that might have coloured this game at a different point in the season.
This time of year is often tricky for newly-promoted sides, even ones that have excellent campaigns like Sunderland are enjoying, and you could see the gears struggling to turn in attack for them. The template still worked - the high pressing of pacey attackers like Angulo, Diarra, Brobbey and Ta Bi meant we had to be sharp, disrupting our possession around the back and forcing our centre-backs into important blocks and parries out. Angulo and Bi worked the wings, powering ahead of our full-backs to try and get into the box; without some good blocks from Bassey, Andersen, and Berge when he stepped back to keep the box secure, they might have found Brobbey. Instead, the run of corners they won were wasted, some failing to even clear the first man. The promise was there though, and with Le Fee's tricks and skills dazing Berge a few times Sunderland were never far from causing us problems.
Yet we enjoyed a touch more of the ball, and with Sunderland's energy subsiding from the opening minutes tried to work a path to goal. Sessegnon and Kevin enjoyed causing mischief on the left with their combinations and overlaps, troubling Mukiele, then Geertruida once he replaced his teammate, and forcing players across to try and deal with them. We couldn't get men in the box though - Smith Rowe and a truly lethargic Raul couldn't find the pace to take them away from their markers, and the powerhouse units of Alderete and Ballard proved impenetrable. This meant many of our opportunities were being snatched at from further afield, as sharp passing sequences conducted by the vision of Iwobi and Smith Rowe's line-breaking passes were shunted wide by Sunderland and put off target, or wasted by a hopeless long shot. Kevin and Sess, so brilliant in the build-up, both bent shots off target from their set-ups.
However, the most notable events of the first half were the delays. Seven minutes of stoppage time were added to the half: Mukiele went off early of course, but was joined by Ta Bi, who hurt himself amidst the action and had to be replaced by Mundle, and Kevin found himself unable to put weight on his foot after a particularly physical contest with Geertruida on the flanks and limped off for Bobb. It prevented any momentum being generated - perhaps unsurprisingly, the half resulted in a single shot on-target, a tame long shot from Sadiki that fell straight into Leno's comfortable dive. Whilst Fulham looked the stronger team at times, it felt generous to suggest it was a particularly large margin, and with so many Sunderland bursts along the wing and Raul almost picking up a second yellow-card, there was some evidence to suggest the hosts would have been more deserving of an early opportunity.
Second Half
But 0-0 it finished, and as the teams returned for the second half Fulham would need to turn the screw far tighter to find an advantage at the notoriously difficult Stadium of Light. It would take some doing, particularly as the hosts started the half in ferocious fashion, reigniting their tenacity from the start of the game. It unsettled our defence, and led to a flurry of chances for Sunderland. Roefs, launching a long ball from just outside his own box, sailed over our backline for the sprightly run of Le Fee to collect. A clever touch kept him in the box, but Tete recovered well to get the ball clear, and Geertruida's follow-up shot was lashed considerably wide.
Sunderland's tails were up, and the onslaught continued. Brobbey took the fight to our centre-backs, winning the ball deep in our half; with Sunderland swarming our territory a clever combination with the lively Le Fee took him into a channel of space in front of goal, between our centre-backs and away from Berge. He needed to pull the trigger - instead he dithered, eventually turning down the shot and trying to feed the ball wide to Mundle, allowing Tete to once again break apart the move. Then, the golden opportunity - with our team buckling under the attacks, Sessegnon was caught out by a smart pass from Hume, the ball making its way to Geertruida on the right. He fed it through our backline to Mundle, burrowing through the heart of our team and into the box - the move was perfect, but the execution was not, and his shot bent painfully wide.
You can't miss chances and expect to afloat in the Premier League, and for once Fulham were the side to remind Sunderland of this timeless lesson. As play resumed from the back, Andersen deployed his daggering long-ball over the top along the right, spotting Wilson speeding away from Hume. The winger bounced his cross through a depleted box, reaching Jimenez ahead of Ballard - his lay off was good, and only Hume's frantic run into the box could stop Iwobi's low driven effort from reaching the goal. But it only kept parity for a moment - Iwobi's corner sailed nicely into the area, where a nifty piece of movement from Raul took him away from the preoccupied defenders and let him head the ball down to the right of the goal, where Roefs could only watch the ball sail in.
1-0 to Fulham, and the breakthrough seemed to unnerve the hosts. A rushed kickoff let Fulham take the ball back quickly, and attempt the same avenue to goal - Andersen lifted the ball down the right to Wilson, and this time Hume decided to fell the Welsh wizard. The resulting free kick was swung in by Wilson, and punched clear by Hume... but in the build-up, Brobbey pulled the shirt of Bassey, and a VAR intervention yielded a penalty and a yellow card for the Dutchman's carelessness. You can't give our gunslinger a spot-kick and not expect to concede - Raul duly obliged, taking a stuttery run-up before gently placing the ball in the bottom left corner.
We brought on Muniz for the goalscorer shortly afterwards, likely anticipating a response from Sunderland. It was a wise move, as the hosts put the pressure right back onto us. Their coaching lets them stay combative throughout games, and our happiness at finally seizing the lead in a game seemed to placate the team at just the wrong time. With the full-backs advancing deep into our half and Sadiki throwing himself after every loose ball, we found ourselves swamped around our own final third, struggling to work the ball without facing danger. A risky pass backwards from Smith Rowe saw Berge devoured by Diarra, stealing the ball from him - through Mundle and Brobbey, Angulo had space on the right away from Sessegnon and a panicking pair of centre-backs. Again, the shot needed to be better - he lifted it straight and high, meaning Leno had the off-target strike covered if it had dipped lower.
The pressure ramped up even further when Le Bris played his triple substitution - Mayenda, Isidor and the captain Xhaka arrived to add pace and quality to the attacking situation. We might have done well to do the same - yet Silva was content with our two goal lead. Too content - the danger wasn't being read, and the crowd started getting excited at the floods of red and white brushing against our box. With passes accumulating, defenders stepping deep into the attack and Fulham barely able to reach the halfway line, alarm bells should have been ringing for the team. A speculative long ball should have been dealt with by Sess, but instead found Ballard, storming into action. He bullied his way through the team, the left-back standing off tamely and Bobb being manoeuvred out of contention, and as he turned Sess to enter the box, a clumsy pair of hands clasped his sides and gave him the contact he needed. Penalty: Le Fee blasted his strike beyond Leno's leftward dive, and suddenly the win was in doubt.
Just as they had done, we lost the ball quickly from kick off, and saw Mayenda blast down the right wing. Dragging Bassey across to deal with him, his skill saw him get around him and cross the ball into Isidor, who fortunately put an awkward effort over the bar. But the chance - and the goal it came just after - seemed to shake Fulham into action. We tried to put some of our own passes together, Bobb using his guile to work Muniz into a great chasm of space in front of the backline. The Brazilian might have had a chance to score - instead he moved the ball right to Wilson, allowing Sunderland to get bodies back and annul the chance.
The game, for so long played in a stupor, had a chaotic frenzy to it now. Xhaka continued to showcase his talents, moving the ball around with vision and energy - a run from the tireless Sadiki, worked through Le Fee, found the Switzerland international on the edge of the box - a clever dink looped over Andersen but travelled just too far for Isidor, and allowed Leno to get onto it. At the other end, a corner won through Tete's industriousness produced a half-chance in the box, as Bassey headed a clearance back into danger that Berge flicked over the bar. On the transition, Sunderland won a free-kick, and Xhaka's deep delivery the game swung the other way - pass after pass around the left, as Sadiki and Hume strived to find the right angle to pump the ball into a packed area.
Yet in their haste to find an equaliser, they left themselves open to the age-old tactic to win a game of football - the counter-attack. As Berge headed clear Sadiki's cross, Wilson sprung into action to take it away from danger. Realising how few Sunderland players he had around him, he burst into life, carrying it from our half into their final third, cleverly keeping the chasing pack away from him. He veered left, away from Hume in pursuit, and deceptively slipped the ball through Le Fee to find Iwobi surging ahead of him. Only a single touch was needed by our No. 17, as a stupendous low finish guided the ball out of Roef's reach and nestled into the far corner of the goal.
3-1, and Fulham had their comfort zone back - just in time for the substitutes. The three 'C's, Castagne, Cairney and Cuenca all arrived to fortify Fulham for the final stage of the game. It actually gave us a few chances, too - Sunderland, exhausted by the physical exertion and the emotional toll of the late setback after chasing parity for so long, were unable to close the gaps their energy had sealed off for so long, and we moved the ball around nicely as the game wound down. Aerial duels won at the half-way line by Muniz and Bobb let Sessegnon bend a ball around the team to Wilson, coming across to the left to try and grab a fourth - Ballard's block denied him his own goal. Meanwhile, the defensive focus at the back was sharp, good blocks by Castagne and Wilson keeping shots from Hume and Mundle on the left from reaching Leno, and a terrific block from Bassey in the six-yard box denying Mayenda a close-range goal; a shame for Sunderland, as the move included a fabulous no-look pass on the turn from Xhaka and a good piece of aerial work from Ballard to head the pass down. As Wilson took one last effort a goal, the ball sailing into Roef's arms, the referee called time - we returned to winning ways at last.
"Trust the process"
For as frustrating as the first half was, with no shots on target and losing Kevin to injury, the blueprint of the success was there. Be it Iwobi architecting play from deep, Smith Rowe finding pockets of space around the attack or wingers drilling balls into the middle, the moves we made were causing Sunderland problems. It was the finishing that needed improvement, and perhaps a touch of sharpness around the pitch to make these killer sequences more frequently. In the second half, being on the backfoot forced us to do this; our counter-attacks really brought the best out of the team, quick balls into Wilson giving him the chance to stretch the defence, and his quality producing dangerous moments for each goal. What a season he's enjoying - that new contract seems to grow in value with each game he plays.
Raul takes the flowers for opening the scoring - he might be jaded by his run in the team, and his temper almost threatened to spoil the afternoon, but his finishing can never be questioned, with a classic header to break the deadlock and yet another penalty added to his unbeaten Premier League tally. Muniz, as great as he is, can still learn something from the ruthlessness Raul has in the box - his moments may be fleeting, but Jimenez delivers in those tight moments. Behind him, there were good performances from Smith Rowe around the pitch, Bobb grew into his role after a slightly disjointed start off the bench and Iwobi continued to play the smoothest tunes behind them all.
Defensively we were decent - whilst the pressure of playing a very physical Sunderland was certainly felt, for the most part we fought them off well, and kept the critical chances from flooding in. Berge struggled a little in transition, but his conduct in the box was terrific, as was the work of Calvin Bassey, performing closer to his imperious best with a powerful display. Andersen had a good game too, and won the majority of his duels around the box. Tete was the strongest, a full 90 minutes fighting Angulo and Mundle away from his flank - what a powerhouse he is for us. Sessegnon has enjoyed better games, on the other hand, and had a tricky time dealing with the versatile and forward-thinking Geertruida looming on his flank. The team did their job to enough of a degree to keep Sunderland out, and at times looked free-flowing as well, never something to sniff at in the top flight.
The best newly-promoted side?
That should really be emphasised - Sunderland are one of the strongest sides to come up from the Championship in recent memory. Considering this is their first attempt back in the top flight with this set of players, they are doing spectacularly (compare it to our "jubilant" return to Premier League life in 2018-19, for instance). The game today can't be judged out of context - they are missing some of the key men they brought in this season, and had to change their plans twice in the first half when they picked up injuries. The energy is largely good, they have a strong team of leaders and fighters, and when Le Fee and Xhaka combine they can produce some beautiful pieces of play across their games. 3-1 is not a devastating failure given these facts, and shouldn't derail their season.
That said, there are some clear weaknesses that Fulham benefitted from today. The finishing was clearly underwhelming - Mundle had the most glaring opportunity, putting an effort wide right before we opened the scoring, but the chance conversion was insipid throughout the game, and betrayed the hard work they put in to get into the situations. It's easy to type out "score more chances" but the fundamental point is true - Jimenez had the calm and cool to strike Fulham into a two-goal lead within a few moments, whilst Sunderland's energy dissipated because they couldn't find clarity in the critical moments. Time is on their forwards' side, but frustration will compound if they don't find the net from the chances they create here.
This inexperience is the problem, really - they switched off when we put them under pressure from our counter-attacks, conceding goals from set-piece situations they could have avoided with more aptitude and allowing Fulham to bend the game their way. Perhaps with Xhaka on the team stay sharper through the trickier passages of the game and don't switch off so blatantly? It's tricky to say, because he was present when Wilson ran from one end to the other and assisted Iwobi's goal, but it's clear the team improve with him on the pitch and you'd imagine they'll benefit from his experience transmitting to his teammates.
Still, Fulham did the work to win the game, and now sit in 10th place in the league table. I hesitate to write the words "late push for Europe" because our form has been so inconsistent, but if we keep picking up results we will never fall completely out of contention in this congested and unpredictable league season. One will do well to remember the abundance of places England won for European competition last year, too - the squad need to keep this in the centre of their thoughts and build on this strong performance going forward.
https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/fulham-end-losing-streak-in-league
Marco Silva savours 'big win' after Fulham secure three points at Sunderland
Raul Jimenez's brace set the visitors on their way at the Stadium of Light.
Marco Silva hailed a "big win" after Fulham ended a three-game losing run in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory at Sunderland.
Following a lacklustre first half from both teams, the game sprung into life after the break when Raul Jimenez scored twice in the space of seven minutes, heading home from Alex Iwobi's corner and then converting a penalty.
Enzo Le Fee gave the Black Cats hope, also from the spot, but Iwobi sealed three points in the 85th minute with a cool finish into the corner.
Victory lifted Fulham to 10th in the table as they became only the second team after Liverpool to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the league this season.
Reflecting on the match, Silva said: "Big win, we knew that it was going to be another crucial game for us and it was going to be very important to come from some not good results for us in the Premier League.
"After an incredible run during January and December too, we wanted to bounce back in a place that has been very difficult for all the teams to play against Sunderland.
"They just lost the last home game before this one against Liverpool. It was not a coincidence that they were the only team unbeaten in the Premier League when they played that game against Liverpool and we knew it. A tough place to come."
Silva was also pleased with the manner of Fulham's third goal, which saw Harry Wilson latch onto a cleared Sunderland corner and charge up the pitch before playing in for Iwobi to finish.
The Cottagers boss added: "After the 2-1 is the moment that pleased me more really about our side, we handled very well the pressure, the stadium buzzing in that moment, that quality, that pressure.
"We scored the third goal in an incredible moment from us, very good counter-attack, everything Harry Wilson did until the moment of the pass was brilliant. Top finishing from Alex.
"We won the game, (it was) deserved, a big fight. Credit for Sunderland on the way they made life difficult for us. Lots of times the game was tough and injuries for them, for us as well."
Regis Le Bris lamented a "tough day" as Sunderland slipped to their third successive league loss.
After losing Nordi Mukiele and Jocelin Ta Bi to injury in the first half, the Black Cats started the second period well, having a great chance when Romaine Mundle blasted wide before Fulham's opener.
Le Bris said: "A tough day because it's a defeat at home. Key moments defined this game.
"We had the opportunity during the second half to score and just after they scored twice on set-pieces.
"Probably our first half wasn't controlled enough, we struggled to find the right rhythm. We got two injuries, which didn't help, but we were probably a bit sloppy, lack of quality with the ball and we didn't control this part of the game properly.
"The reaction at the beginning of the second half was good, but it was a reaction and after that key moments. Like in the Premier League you have, we had a strong opponent who then had the quality to score."
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-marco-silva-sunderland-stadium-of-light-premier-league-b2925347.html
Silva savours Fulham win – but Kevin's injury 'doesn't look good'
Marco Silva admitted an injury Kevin suffered during Fulham's win at Sunderland "doesn't look good".
Marco Silva admitted an injury Kevin suffered during Fulham's win at Sunderland "doesn't look good".
The 3-1 triumph at the Stadium of Light lifted the Whites up to 10th in the Premier League table.
But the sight of record signing Kevin hobbling off in the first half was a worrying one and Fulham will assess the extent of the winger's injury over the next day or so.
Boss Silva explained: "It doesn't look good, unfortunately, but I cannot be 100% sure or give some feedback, because it's too soon.
"Hopefully nothing serious, but right now the feeling is not the best. But you have to wait."
Raul Jimenez opened the scoring early in the second half and his penalty then made it 2-0.
Enzo Le Fée responded for Sunderland, also with a penalty, before Alex Iwobi's late goal sealed Fulham's win.
"I think we deserved the three points. We were clinical. A big win for us," said Silva.
"After the 2-1 is the moment that pleased me more really about our side – we handled very well the pressure. The stadium was buzzing in that moment.
"We didn't do anything wrong. No chances for them until our third goal. We scored the third goal in an incredible moment for us."
https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-savours-fulham-win-but-kevins-injury-doesnt-look-good
Raul Jimenez extends all-time Premier League record in Fulham win over Sunderland
Fulham striker Raul Jimenez extended his record as the Premier League's best-ever penalty taker in Sunday's 3-1 win over Sunderland.
The Cottagers ended a run of three consecutive Premier League defeats with a successful trip to the Stadium of Light.
Jimenez broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, getting away from his marker to head in from Alex Iwobi's inviting corner.
The Mexico international was then given the chance to add a second after Brian Brobby was penalised for a shirt pull on Calvin Bassey in the box.
The experienced striker kept his composure from the penalty spot, sending Robin Roefs the wrong way to net his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
Jimenez extends Premier League penalty record
Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee briefly reduced Fulham's lead, before Alex Iwobi slotted home from Harry Wilson's through ball to restore the two-goal cushion and wrap up all three points.
Not only did Jimenez net his sixth Premier League brace, but he also extended his record as the Premier League's best-ever penalty taker.
Jimenez has taken and scored all 13 of his spot-kicks in the English top flight, making it the best 100% conversion rate of any player in the competition's history.
Manchester City legend Yaya Toure is second on the list for the most Premier League penalties taken without missing.
Toure netted all 11 of his spot-kicks in the top flight, while former Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov had a 100% conversion rate from his nine Premier League penalties.
Silva explains reason behind Jimenez substitution
Despite making a major impact on the game, Jimenez was replaced by Rodrigo Muniz just four minutes after his second goal.
Speaking after the game, Marco Silva was asked about whether Jimenez was taken off to avoid a second yellow card.
"No, I have to do it because we ware talking about a striker that had four or five fouls against him and one yellow card against him," Silva told BBC Sport.
"It was a little bit difficult for him, every time he went to the ball was a foul. I don't want to take any risks."
As a result of the win, Fulham have moved up to 10th spot in the Premier League table ahead of their next outing against Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/jimenez-extends-premier-league-record-in-fulham-win-over-sunderland_592533.html
Everton will surely reignite interest in Harry Wilson this summer as Fulham star shines again
Everton were exploring a deal to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson during the January transfer window.
It was reported last month that Everton were trying to sign Harry Wilson, and he was thought to be open to a move to Merseyside.
Ultimately, Wilson stayed put at Craven Cottage, and he's expected to see out his contract and leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Surely Everton will reignite their interest in the 28-year-old as he continues to shine for the Cottagers.
Harry Wilson should be Everton's number one target
Wilson has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, and he again impressed in Fulham's 3-1 win against Sunderland this afternoon.
The Welshman laid on a sublime assist for Alex Iwobi's goal as he drove the ball from inside his own half to the edge of the penalty area before slipping a perfectly weighted pass through to his teammate.
That was Wilson's 15th goal involvement of the season, so quite clearly, he'd be a ready-made replacement for Jack Grealish if Everton decide against making his loan deal permanent.
The former Liverpool youth product can operate as a wide player and as an attacking midfielder, so he'd be a very versatile option for David Moyes.
Everton face competition for Harry Wilson
If Everton do decide to go back in for Wilson this summer, they will be facing very stiff competition from across the Premier League.
Aston Villa are the latest club to join the race for Wilson, whilst Crystal Palace, Brentford and Leeds United have also been linked.
There has even been speculation that his former club Liverpool could make a swoop for him, so it won't be easy for the Toffees to land his signature.
Everton will certainly have to offer a very large pay packet for Wilson, potentially even making him one of their highest-paid players, along with Jordan Pickford.
https://www.everton.news/everton-will-surely-reignite-interest-in-harry-wilson-this-summer-as-fulham-star-shines-again/
Sunderland condemn 'vile' racist abuse directed at Romaine Mundle after Fulham game
Sunderland have condemned 'vile' online abuse of Romaine Mundle and pledges strongest possible action after Fulham fixture
Sunderland have issued a strong statement condemning alleged racist abuse directed at Romaine Mundle following the club's Premier League fixture against Fulham.
Mundle endured a difficult afternoon at the Stadium of Light, missing a significant chance before later appearing visibly upset at full-time after also picking up an injury. The 22-year-old has since deleted his Instagram account.
In a strongly-worded statement, the club said: "Sunderland AFC is appalled by the vile online racist abuse directed at Romaine Mundle following today's Premier League fixture against Fulham. The abhorrent behaviour displayed by multiple individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club under any circumstances.
"There is no place for racism in our society, and we stand with Romaine, who has our full support. The club is actively working with the relevant authorities and online platforms to identify those responsible, and we will take the strongest possible action available to us. These individuals do not represent Sunderland AFC, our values, or our community - and they are not welcome on Wearside."
The Premier League, posting on social media after the game against Fulham at the Stadium of Light, added: "We join Sunderland in condemning the abhorrent online racist abuse targeted at Sunderland's Romaine Mundle. There are serious consequences for anybody found guilty of discrimination and we will offer our full support with their investigations. Football is for everyone – there is no room for racism."
https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/sunderland-issue-statement-on-alleged-online-racist-abuse-of-romaine-mundle-5607386
Fulham news: Marco Silva makes worrying admission after Kevin sustains injury in win over Sunderland
Fulham manager Marco Silva has provided a worrying injury update on Kevin following Sunday's 3-1 win over Sunderland.
Raul Jimenez starred with a brace in Fulham's successful away trip, helping his team end a run of three consecutive league defeats.
However, an injury to club-record signing Kevin prevented the game from being a perfect outing for the Cottagers.
Kevin, who completed a £34.6m move from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer, sustained the injury in the closing stages of the first half at the Stadium of Light.
The winger was helped off the pitch by the club's medical staff and replaced by January addition Oscar Bobb.
Silva provides Kevin injury update
Silva delivered a pessimistic response when he was asked about Kevin's injury status following the 3-1 victory.
"About Kevin, it doesn't look good, unfortunately," Silva said. "I cannot be 100 per cent sure. I cannot give feedback because it's too soon but it doesn't look good.
"In one or two days' time we are going to know more. Hopefully, nothing serious, but the feeling right now is not good. We have to wait."
The 23-year-old has made 28 competitive appearances in his first season as a Fulham player, scoring three goals and contributing four assists.
Fulham explains Robinson absence
n addition to Kevin, Silva also provided an update on left-back Antonee Robinson, who was a notable omission from the matchday squad.
"He felt something in his ankle throughout the week, he wasn't feeling 100%," Silva explained, as per journalist Jack Kelly.
"Doesn't look serious. He rested one session, he tried yesterday, but wasn't in conditions to travel."
Robinson has already seen his season hampered by injury after being restricted to just two appearances from August to December due to a knee problem.
https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/injury-news/news/doesnt-look-good-silva-makes-worrying-admission-over-kevin-injury_592542.html