Sunday Fulham Stuff - 23/11/25...

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Results

Saturday 22/11
Burnley	0-2	Chelsea
Bournemouth	2-2	West Ham
Brighton	2-1	Brentford
Fulham	1-0	Sunderland
Raúl
Liverpool	0-3	Forest
Wolves	0-2	Palace
Newcastle	2-1	Man City

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Fulham 1-0 Sunderland

At a glance

    Raul Jimenez scores late winner

    Fulham control game before making breakthrough

    Fulham move away from relegation zone

    Sunderland slip to sixth in table

Raul Jimenez scored a deserved late winner as Fulham beat Sunderland in the Premier League amid driving rain at Craven Cottage.

The Mexican's goal came from Fulham's 18th shot of the game as their dominance of chances and possession looked set to go to waste.

However, a fine cross from substitute winger Samuel Chukwueze - impressive after replacing ineffective club record signing Kevin in the second half - was turned home from close range by Jimenez.

The quality of play was generally poor throughout, but Fulham were rewarded for their work-rate with only their second win in seven league games.

They moved up to 14th in the table - three points above the bottom three - while Sunderland slipped two places to sixth.

Kevin missed the clearest first-half chance when he headed straight at Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs from six yards out.

Sunderland nearly made them pay 15 seconds after the break when Enzo le Fee fired narrowly wide, but it was a rare chance on a disappointing day for the visitors.

Fulham analysis: Home comforts help Silva
Fulham are having a poor season, but their home record could be enough to avert a relegation battle.

Marco Silva's side have picked up 13 of their 14 points this season at Craven Cottage, and they had 70% possession in the first half hour and 57% across the game.

Shots rained down on the Sunderland goal as heavily as the rain on the banks of the River Thames.

Alex Iwobi attempted an overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area, while Harry Wilson - fresh from a hat-trick for Wales during the international break - came close on a few occasions.

But Kevin, the only big-money signing Silva was able to make in the summer, was particularly wasteful and guilty of bad touches before being taken off just past the hour.

His replacement, AC Milan loanee Chukwueze, was much more direct in his running and accurate with his crossing, and set up the deserved winner.

Silva has reportedly been offered a contract extension with his current deal expiring this summer. This win could grease the wheels.

Sunderland analysis: Blunt Black Cats lack creativity
Sunderland would happily have taken a point, but Regis le Bris' men were second best throughout.

They had only four shots - their lowest total in a league game this campaign - compared to 24 for the hosts.

For a long while Sunderland were indebted to Roefs. While Silva has complained about Fulham's lack of new faces this season, the Belgian must rank as one of the best arrivals for this campaign.

Roefs made a particularly fine one-handed save from Kevin in the first half and comfortably dealt with everything else aimed at his goal - until Jimenez beat him to the ball late on.

Sunderland are now without a win in three league games, their worst run since returning to the top flight in the summer.

It is hardly reason for Le Bris to panic, but perhaps it is cause to rethink Sunderland's 5-4-1 formation, which is effective when stalling the biggest teams but leaves them low on creativity in games like this.

What's next for these teams?
Fulham travel to Tottenham and Sunderland entertain Bournemouth on 29 November.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cjw9jlglxy8t

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Post-Sunderland Press Conference
Marco Silva was delighted as Fulham delivered the perfect response to their previous game with a fully deserved 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage.

Raúl Jiménez's clinical second-half finish secured the points, but Silva was just as pleased with the team's control, composure, and dominance throughout the match.

"We clearly deserved the three points," our boss said afterwards. "Good performance from us. We scored a great goal, but we should have scored much earlier in the game. Winning puts us back on the right track after the last performance (a 1-0 defeat to Everton) that wasn't the standard it should have been away from home.

Fulham were dominant from the start, with Silva praising the way his team combined patience with purpose against a resolute Sunderland side.

"We started on the front foot. When they defend so deep as well, with that 5-4-1, we had to find a way to finalise our actions and that's what we did.

"We controlled almost all moments of the game. They didn't create any clear chances to score and we controlled our defensive set pieces very well. We know they are strong in offensive transitions and long throws, but we controlled the situation and stayed well balanced on the pitch."

And the gaffer singled out our match-winner, after he provided the decisive moment.

"It says a lot about his killer instinct. If you're a Fulham fan or not, if you're a Premier League fan, you have this guy so many years in this country scoring goals. He had the worst moment of his life five or six years ago. He bounced back with our help, with the help of this football club.

"Raúl is always going to play with his heart. He can perform amazingly well, and in other moments not so well, but you know that his heart will always be there and he'll give everything for the shirt."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/november/22/post-sunderland-press-conference/

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Jimenez nets late winner for Fulham
Raul Jimenez scored a late winner for Fulham at Craven Cottage.

After relentless pressure from the hosts, the Mexican poked home after he was found on the left by substitute Samuel Chukwueze, to give Fulham back-to-back home wins in the Premier League.

Fulham knocked on the door in the first half. Harry Wilson found space on the break and curled a shot just wide. Moments later, Kevin broke through on goal, but his effort was well saved by keeper Robin Roefs.

Fulham continued to dominate in the first half, but couldn't take any of the chances they created.

In the second half, Wilson came close again, spinning and shooting just wide in the box.

Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench and fired a half-volley wide of the post as the Whites kept up the pressure – and they were eventually rewarded.
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon, Berge, Iwobi (Reed 88), Wilson (Castagne 90+3) King (Smith Rowe 64), Kevin (Chukwueze 64), Jimenez.
Subs not used: Lecomte Cuenca, Cairney Kusi-Asare.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-sunderland-jimenez-winner

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Fulham 1-0 Sunderland: Raul Jimenez the match-winner as Cottagers sink high-flying Black Cats
Mexican veteran was on hand to earn crucial three points

Fulham secured a precious three points as Raul Jimenez's late goal helped them beat high-flying Sunderland 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

After a run of five defeats in six, the mood around the club had become increasingly anxious, with much of the focus pre-game on Marco Silva's contract situation.

Silva's contract expires next summer, and after a frustrating transfer window and a slow start to the new season, the question of whether he will stay in west London next season is a point of increasing agitation.

As the Portuguese put it in his pre-match press conference, "things are not connected" right now, and it showed on the pitch, with a performance in which Fulham dominated but struggled in large parts to make their dominance count.

Injuries have not helped, with the continued absence of Antonee Robinson and Rodrigo Muniz.

Robinson provided the most assists of any defender in the Premier League last season while Muniz, handed a long-term contract last month, had been expected to take over from Jimenez as Fulham's first-choice striker.

The pair have started four games between them, and in their absence, it has felt like the Cottagers are just about getting by on Silva's intuition - it was his substitutions that made the difference
this afternoon.

This is a Fulham team, entering their fourth successive season in the top flight, full of seasoned Premier League performers. Alex Iwobi recently surpassed 300 Premier League games, while 34-year-old Jimenez netted his 61st top-flight goal to move them three points clear of the relegation zone.

Their strength lies in their solidity and understanding. Ultimately, though, they lack pace and unpredictability in attack - Fulham until today had not won a game this season without the assistance of an own goal.

Firmly on top against Sunderland - by half-time they had held more than 62 per cent of the ball and taken three times the number of touches in the opposition box - they struggled to test Robin Roefs in the Sunderland goal.

Club record signing Kevin, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for £34.6million on Deadline Day, has been brought in to provide that edge. It has, however, been a slow start for the Brazilian, who is still getting up to speed after arriving late in the transfer window.

Presented with an opportunity to open the scoring in the first half, he scuffed his shot straight at Roefs. A more confident player would have pushed the ball out of his feet and arrowed his finish into the corners.

These are the moments Silva will want Kevin to take ownership of, and when put through again after a nice flick by Josh King, he was quickly dispossessed by Trai Hume, who was simply more alert to the break of the ball.

Sunderland had let Fulham apply the early pressure, but they grew into the game after the break as Silva's side looked increasingly short of answers, with Kevin and King taken off just past the hour mark for Emile Smith Rowe and Samuel Chukwueze.

The game looked to be heading for a stalemate, but the hosts, energised by Silva's substitutions, continued to push on in search of a winning goal and eventually found the breakthrough after 84 minutes as Chukwueze crossed superbly for Jimenez.

This was a vital three points for Fulham, but there is no escaping the issues they still need to address.

Assessing their problems is to cover old ground. Silva has known for some time what he needs to propel the west Londoners to the next level. He has, as yet, not been backed well enough in this regard.

The January window will offer a clear glimpse into how true to their word the club is about backing the manager. Fail to do so, and the Portuguese could walk next summer.

The league table does not tell the full story. Fulham have been more competitive than their recent results suggest, but they need to give Silva the keys to help the club push on.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-sunderland-premier-league-b1259312.html

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Fulham 1-0 Sunderland: Samuel Chukwueze shines as Cottagers steal win from high-flying Cats
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze supplied the assist for Fulham's solitary goal in their win over Sunderland at Craven Cottage, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fulham returned to Premier League action with a home fixture against Sunderland. The Black Cats entered the game on the back of a four-game unbeaten run, during which they earned a win against Chelsea and forced Arsenal to a draw. So it was expected to be a tough match-up.

However, Fulham put up a solid showing. Super Eagles stars Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were on the starting lineup, while Chukwueze started from the bench.

The Cottagers dominated the game from the blast of the whistle, with Iwobi forcing an early save from Robin Roefs. There were also chances for Harry Wilson and Joshua King before halftime, but they failed to convert.

In the second half, Fulham upped the ante, but just lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

Coach Marco Silva decide to switch things up in the 64th minute, introducing Chukwueze for Kevin. The decision paid off 20 minutes later, as the Super Eagles star provided the assist for Fulham's goal.

Chukwueze received a pass from Sander Berge on the left side of Fulham's attack, and with two men on him, he eked out a cross, which Jimenez managed to get his feet on, and scored from close range to make it 1-0.

Chukwueze nearly set up a second for the Cottagers in stoppage time, but Emile Smith Rowe failed to convert from inside the box.

Bassey had a solid game at center-back and hardly put a foot wrong. He recorded five clearances, five recoveries, won three of his six duels, and had a 91% pass accuracy.

The game eventually ended 1-0 in Fulham's favour.

Samuel Chukwueze Slowly Playing His Way Into Marco Silva's Heart
Samuel Chukwueze joined Fulham from AC Milan in a season-long loan during the summer transfer window. He had failed to impress in Milan and had to move to England to get regular minutes.

Since his move to Fulham, Chukwueze has not started any Premier League game, but he has been decent in most of his games. His assist for Jimenez was his second in five Premier League appearances.

Meanwhile, Kevin, who he replaced, has managed just one assist in his nine Premier League appearances. Although the Brazilian has often looked electric, all the activity has hardly resulted into anything.

If Chukwueze continues to get goal involvements, coach Silva will surely be tempted to give him more minutes in the coming weeks.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/11/fulham-sunderland-samuel-chukwueze.html

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Jiménez calms choppy waters at Fulham with late winner against Sunderland
Uncertain times at Fulham. The word is out that the club's ownership would like to extend Marco Silva's stay. The manager himself has been noncommittal, while also making explicit his dim view of a lack of summer transfer business. Raúl Jiménez's winner, coming when it seemed Fulham were incapable of scoring, might still choppy waters for now.

It lifted Fulham away from the increasing threat of a relegation battle but the manager stayed noncommittal. "I don't need this type of performance to make important decisions," he said.

Last season's record points tally and enterprising football has been replaced by staleness and sterility, and Silva could argue little of that is of his making. The Khan family ownership gambled on stasis, rarely a recipe for success when others spend big.

Jiménez's goal was a measure of the veteran striker's determination to keep trying when other heads would have dropped but relying on him remains an indictment of the lack of funding Silva and supporters complain of. They will also miss Silva's game management and risk-taking values should he choose to depart.

Beating Sunderland should register as a coup, the Wearsiders have enjoyed the novelty of the big league though here came the ill wind of reality. With his team kicking off in fourth place, Régis Le Bris is this season's best newcomer, but Sunderland fell prey to Fulham bringing on quality in Emile Smith Rowe and Samuel Chukwueze. The latter, loaned from Milan, supplied the winner and was a decent piece of business in the thin gruel of Fulham's summer. "Great impact from him," said Silva. "These types of games it is very important to be patient, we can't lose our principles."

In rotten weather conditions, swirling rain whipping off the Thames, this was a contest to be toughed out. The final whistle was followed by an angry confrontation between players and coaches after 90 minutes of gristle. "I don't like fighting at the end," said Le Bris. "If there's still energy in your tank it means before you didn't push hard enough."

Alex Iwobi's early overhead kick was a moment of improvisation made necessary by the tight squeeze Sunderland made of their penalty area until the crucial, closing minutes. Le Bris said his target remains "around 40 points" to achieve safety, not anything loftier. "We expect tough games, strong opposition, and we need to improve our level," he said. "We started the season well, which is positive, but we want to be competitive."

His team's chosen attacking weapon was quick, wildcat counterattacks, while Fulham's best chance of the first half also came from a counter, Harry Wilson escaping before missing the target. Robin Roefs, Sunderland's goalkeeper, made a couple of decent saves from Kevin, though the Brazilian's finishing was unconvincing throughout.

That Fulham could do with a finisher is a familiar lament, particularly with Rodrigo Muniz out until 2026. Silva has done a fine refurb on Jiménez, but a previous tally of a single Premier League goal told the tale well enough. The Mexican's willingness, though, remains exemplary. "He always plays with his heart, you know his heart is going to be there," said Silva of a player who had returned from Texas for Friday morning. "A proper striker's goal in that situation."

The first half ended with players jogging gratefully to the dressing room for shelter from the elements. Enzo La Fée, in tights and gloves, had previously been peripheral, but as soon as the second period began, after a raking ball from Roefs, the Frenchman's shot had Bernd Leno beaten, though also the post. Sunderland, looking ever more capable of nicking something, replaced counterattacking with a dominance of possession.

Sunderland's lone striker, Wilson Isidor, departed, tired by chasing the channels, replaced by Brian "Mr" Brobbey, unable to repeat his Arsenal heroics off the bench. Smith Rowe and Chukwueze arrived to inject zest into Fulham.

The home support's hope was sagging as their players flubbed chances, but Sunderland had, not inconsequentially, become far less assured. Fatefully, Chukwueze's cross skidded into Jiménez's path, the striker shaking off the bulk of Dan Ballard to show typical bravery in scoring a goal that never looked likely to come.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/jim-nez-averts-danger-uncertain-172151271.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADi-TccyAUPiPlNNcV9eyrgEDt4t-BgdsHjjP7bPtaJWvi3uT3P-hjiQUNE76G9CTCAE6vaNhiT8Sx9aGVDVEP-l0SUbFpm5WTlr7EMvY05hXKYhJ_ILsH3uDSv4IztMHB2byN76PneLB9X0gRSP0OM2fHoJ5nTM6tIJnKCQZdZd

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Chukwueze inspires Fulham as Jimenez grabs win over Sunderland
A 1-0 victory at the Cottage gives Silva's men vital boost following the international break

1-0 is never the most exciting scoreline to read, but few at Fulham will care - today's win against Sunderland has arrived at a crucial moment in the season, Marco Silva's men needing a response following numerous disappointments and mounting pressure before the international break, and Raul Jimenez's goal in the second half lifted a massive weight off everyone at Craven Cottage. There's a lot of time left in the season but a second half resurgence, inspired by Samuel Chukwueze from the bench, took us past a well-drilled opponent, and has given us another propulsion away from a feisty relegation zone.

First Half
We've generally been stronger at home and the opening stages followed a similar pattern - after an early flash of energy from Traore saw his cross narrowly miss striker Isidor, Fulham got onto the ball and spent most of the half controlling the play, moving the ball smoothly around Sunderland's team to sculpt attacks out. Their team had a strong defensive shape, a 5-4-1 with decent athletic capabilities and a well-organised structure, and it meant our better moments in the half never quite exposed any critical faults.

There was a lot of attacking promise for Fulham, though. Iwobi playing meant Sessegnon and Kevin had a nice architect on the left, and several crosses fizzed into the box through targeting Hume at right wing-back. King had Xhaka and Sadiki to contend with yet took the game to them, driving the ball forward with his positive dribbles and linking with his teammates in tight positions. Wilson, fresh off guiding Wales into the World Cup play-offs, was also eager to take the ball into dangerous territory. Our possession let the team spark into life, troubling Sunderland and almost threatening to restore the energy Fulham's best football under Silva has produced.

Not for the first time though our profligate finishing left the goal count blank. Early chances, like an Iwobi overhead kick or Jimenez's volley into a crowded box from a corner, are thrilling if they're scored, but hardly begrudged for missing. Decent chances have a similar quality, but frustration compounds when you miss them. These were scattered throughout the play: Wilson, taking us through a scattered defence on a counter attack and wriggling away from Hume to bend a shot just wide; the Welshman playing a nice one-two with King to fire a shot at goal that Xhaka had to block; King's own acrobatics from a Kevin cross nipping just wide of goal; powerful drives from midfield by Berge, also on a World Cup qualification high, that gave the Roefs pause for thought a few times.

What really frustrates me is when we're presented opportunities that really ought to be scored by an established Premier League side, and when they largely fall to your record signing. Kevin had the pace to beat Hume, and a few of his crosses were electric, but his decision-making in the critical moments faltered several times. It feels harsh to spotlight a header from a good Berge cross on the right, aimed straight at Roefs for an easy catch, but two one-on-ones Kevin received were squandered by the Brazilian. Both were hindered by his dithering - one resulting in a shot Roefs didn't have to make too strenuous a save for, the other stopped midrun by Mukiele. Though Sunderland didn't have many concrete chances in the half - Traore's swift dribbles producing a sweeping block and a comfortable save Leno - there was a clear risk of the visitors punishing us for our complacency in the second half.

Second Half
And what a risk it was! Within seconds of the restart a long ball from Roefs sailed straight to Le Fee, who skilfully plucked the ball from the air, cut away from Tete on our right and struck the ball just wide of Leno's far post. Sunderland had ebbed away at our energy reserves over the half, and though it would be a stretch to say we were exhausted at this point it was clear Fulham weren't quite so secure on the ball. Our passing, whilst enough to win the odd corner, wasn't threatening Sunderland in quite the same way, and spurred by their early chance started moving their pieces forward into Fulham territory.

It's not too surprising to see Sunderland's bright start on today's evidence, and until the first substitutions their tactics were putting us under pressure. Mukiele, a versatile defender, had the pace and intelligence to step forward from attack, moving into midfield positions and making runs down the right wing to put pressure on Sessegnon. Xhaka, the midfield general, prowled around menacingly, recycling possession and keeping Sunderland active in their hunt for the opener. Le Fee's guile kept the ball dangerous at any moment, supplying the pace and runs of Isidor and Traore with quality link-up play, and our frantic defending to try and clear the ball saw Sunderland easily able to maintain control of our half, parking Geertruida and Ballard on the halfway line and shutting down our escape from the danger.

It was clear Fulham needed something to change, and Silva decided to make a move - King, starting to tire under the pressure of the physical challenge, and Kevin, unable to take the game to Sunderland, departed for Smith-Rowe and Chukwueze. The pair had an instant impact, restoring the quality of our play to the levels seen in the first half with slick touches and quick, aggressive runs into enemy territory. This, combined with Sunderland's substitutes Talbi and Brobbey unsettling the rhythm their attack had previously enjoyed, swung the game back into Fulham's control, allowing our attacking shape to define the game and put pressure back on Sunderland's defence.

Though Sunderland were hardly despondent, Chukwueze's pace and creativity on the left, supplemented by Smith-Rowe dipping into the wide channels and linking play with his own deft touches, forced them into a defensive reaction. Hume had suffered a few close calls from Kevin earlier in the game but Chukwueze's composure added an extra degree of danger, forcing Talbi to keep a closer eye on the left channel and reducing the pressure on Sess at LB. This let him move back into attacking positions too - a delightful through ball from the academy-man saw Wilson fire a shot just wide of goal from one such venture. As the half continued the chances started to arrive thick and fast. Chukwueze was far too quick for Hume, even with the extra support, and his talent was becoming the route to goal for us. Jimenez, on the periphery before-hand, finally had some service to work with, bringing his contests with Ballard in the box back into the game. Smith-Rowe and Sessegnon had extra space to take chances of their own - the former slicing a volley wide of post, the latter receiving two delightful passes from the Nigerian that he put into Xhaka and, after squeezing into the box, lashed across the face of goal.

And finally, with but a few minutes of regulation time remaining, the pressure buckled. Berge, under no pressure in the face of an overwhelmed Sunderland side, spread the ball wide to Chukwueze, hugging the touchline away from Hume. The wing-back was slow to close the space down, giving Chukwueze his opportunity - a magnificent cross arched into the box ahead of the defence, just the right distance between the keeper and the centre-back. Ballard, who had enjoyed a strong showing for large parts of the game, was finally caught out - Jimenez finally had his opportunity, predicting to near-perfection the path of the ball and sticking his leg out to tap the ball goalwards ahead of the centre-back, wrong-footing Roefs and finding the back of the net. It was a truly jubilant moment, one that lifted everyone's mood whilst putting the sword to Sunderland, and the pleasure - combined with some extra help from defensive substitutions Reed and Castagne - guided Fulham to the full-time whistle.

Raul's Well That Ends Well
Let's be positive about Fulham, because we haven't had the chance to for a while! There were clear examples of our quality in possession throughout the day - despite how many defenders we had to contend with, we consistently used the ball in a manner that moved them out of the way, using the channels to travel into goal-scoring positions. No one did this better than Chukwueze, whose outstanding acumen with the ball was on full display today - he added to Kevin's pace and promise with a composure that elevated the whole team, and in my view should be considered the MOTM.

It wasn't just him though. I think we should give significant praise to Emile Smith-Rowe, who at times is made to look a bit of a pariah but was critical to the performance as well. King is a fine player and has earnt a starting berth in the team but we forget how talented Smith-Rowe is at times; his passing and movement had a diamond-like sheen today, and the energy he put into his darting runs into the final third were a major component of disrupting Sunderland's organisation at the back. This is the player we want to see more regularly for Fulham; the talent the man has is unquestionable! Let's extend these good thoughts to Raul Jimenez, a man playing through injuries and fatigue every week for club and country - he might not be the powerhouse Wolves enjoyed a few years ago, we might wish Rodrigo Muniz was leading the attack, but no one can fault the commitment Jimenez gives to the team, putting himself through tough contests across the pitch today. His goal is a nice reward for what must be a pained effort at times.

Wilson was decent on the right and though he might regret not scoring today he has a spark worth keeping around the team, even when he's not on top form - he and King also have good chemistry in these moments. Iwobi had a quieter game, and perhaps struggled to replicate the general bullishness Xhaka and Sadiki had in the middle, but his versatility really can't be questioned too greatly - he plugs any hole he's asked to for Fulham. Berge was more suited to the conditions, happy to get stuck in around the pitch and far more encouraging in his attacking moves today as well.

Let's also praise the defence - there were a few lapses in concentration here and there, but the key moments Sunderland had in the box were largely cut out by Andersen and Bassey, who should be proud of their clean sheet. Tete had his hands full with Le Fee but saw him off, and Sessegnon continued to deputise very admirably for Robinson, playing another match without a serious error (though Traore did run him close a few times). It all meant Leno had little to do - a couple of Traore moments to handle and a comfortable Xhaka header to catch were all I could recall him really being involved with. Never a bad thing for any Premier League side!

Stern Sunderland
Sunderland will find themselves really tested over the next few months - the internationals ending mean the games start to mount, and without wanting to patronise our visitors the charm of a good start in the opening weeks fades for a real grind through fixtures against rivals expecting to pick up points off a promoted side. There's evidence they've got a few things to work out, too - even in their best moments today, Isidor was never quite able to get a shot at goal for Leno to deal with, and they may need to work out how their 5-4-1 can produce more goals in the long-term.

These are harsh criticisms though - Sunderland kept Fulham, a team with several years more experience in the Premier League, level for almost a full match, and whilst it's not unfair to say we were the stronger game on the whole, there were moments of quality from key players that will keep them going nicely through the season. Le Fee is a gem of a footballer and is the calibre of attacker that makes our sport the beautiful game. Xhaka has been praised by many this season and his determined approach in midfield clearly lifts the spirits and attitude of everyone around him. Mukiele's energy and tactical understanding gives Sunderland defensive adaptability that elevates them above quite a few teams across the division and Roefs looks a steady hand in goal, something you can never take for granted.

They are also a few points ahead of Fulham thus far! We are still too close to the relegation zone for anyone's liking, and we'll need our own squad to dig into their strengths to pull Fulham into a truly safe position. Given how many teams are around the drop zone, it may take some time to realise - we need to trust that Silva can guide the squad to capture the energy we exuded in the second half today, and back the team through perhaps their biggest challenge of our return to the Premier League so far.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/chukwueze-inspires-fulham-as-jimenez

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Fulham 1-0 Sunderland ANALYSIS: Marco Silva must wrap Raul Jimenez in cotton wool after late winner - as Premier League pace threatens to engulf Black Cats
Once he has dried out, Marco Silva might like to wrap Raul Jimenez in cotton wool for a few days.

The Mexican, back from a goal for his country in Texas in midweek settled a rain-sodden contest against Sunderland with a sliding finish in the 85th minute.

It was a victory to halt a slide for Fulham, who have now taken 13 points from a possible 18 at home this season, but one that looked like it might elude them.

They dominated the ball and peppered Robin Roef's goal with 24 shots but rarely extended the Sunderland keeper until Jimenez pounced, sliding across a slippery surface as his marker Dan Ballard hesitated and converted a splendid low cross by substitute Samuel Chukwueze.

Marco Silva praised his 'killer instinct' and his appetite for goals. 'It was a tough game for him,' said Silva. 'A big fight but he always plays with his heart and it was a proper striker's goal.'

Jimenez, approaching five years since the fractured skull that almost ended his career, shows no sign of easing up. He did not return from Mexico duty until Thursday, trained on Friday and played for 90 minutes against Sunderland.

The problem for the Fulham boss is that the 34-year-old is the only recognised and experienced centre forward at his disposal going into the congested festive schedule.

Rodrigo Muniz is ruled out until February after hamstring surgery. Others will have to weight in, including Kevin, who is still looking for his first Fulham goal and was wasteful in the first half.

And Chukwueze, who made a terrific impact from the bench but is yet to start in the Premier League and yet to score and off next month to the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

Next week, Fulham travel across London to face Tottenham and then they are at home to Manchester City.

The fixtures do not get any easier, hence the perceived value of beating Sunderland, who had a third successive draw within touching distance, only to be sunk late.

Two points from three games hints at the early-season adrenalin fading and frustration exploded with a skirmish after the final whistle, involving players and staff from both sides.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was not impressed. 'I told the players, I don't like fighting at the end,' said Le Bris. 'If there is still energy in the tank it means we didn't push hard enough. For me it's not a positive situation.'

The visitors defended brilliantly. Defenders hurled bodies in front of shots and goalkeeper Robin Roefs made important saves in the first half but they could not deny Fulham deserved to win.

Harry Wilson, fresh from a hat trick for Wales, Josh King and Kevin flickered in support of Jimenez. Roefs made saves and Sunderland's defensive screen held firm, blocking shots and deflecting efforts wide but they offered very little as a creative force in the first half. Bertrand Traore was the only one to offer any threat, forcing Bernd Leno into two saves.

Some of those in the away end might contest an incident in the first half when Wilson Isidor tumbled after beating Calvin Bassey to a through ball. Referee Darren England decided it was not a foul and waved play on. In the conditions, it was hard to argue with his call and Le Bris did not make an issue of it.

The visitors improved in the second half. Enzo Le Fee went close within seconds of the restart after a route move, launched by long ball from Roefs. Le Fee took a touch and flashed a shot across Leno's goal.

Fulham summoned a strong finish though, with Chukwueze conjuring the late chance for Jimenez to score the only goal with his team's 18th effort at goal in the game.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15302225/Fulham-1-0-Sunderland-Premier-League-2025-26-Result.html

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Marco Silva hails Fulham star's 'killer instinct' after crucial win over Sunderland
High-flyers were defeated late on in west London

Marco Silva has praised Raul Jimenez's "killer instinct" after the veteran forward's late winner helped Fulham beat Sunderland 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

Despite a dominant performance, it looked like the Cottagers would have to settle for a point before Jimenez got on the end of Samuel Chukwueze's superb left-wing cross to give the hosts the lead in the 84th minute.

It was a precious three points for the west Londoners, who had lost five of their previous six league games.

In his post-match conference, Silva hailed Jimenez's resilience, with the 34-year-old having rebuilt his career at Fulham after recovering from a life-threatening head injury whilst playing for Wolves in 2020.

"It speaks about his killer instinct," the head coach said at full-time.

"It's something that we all should enjoy if you are a Fulham fan or not, but if you are a Premier League fan, you have these guys so many years in this country scoring goals and scoring goals.

"He had the worst moment of his life, I don't know, five or six years ago. The way he bounced back with our help
, with the help of this football club, he knows how he's going to be always playing with his heart."

"He can perform amazingly well, other moments not so well, but you know that his heart is going to be always there, he's going to give everything for the shirt he can do.

"He can give and after if you provide something good for him inside the box, he can show the killer instinct that he has, and he did it again this afternoon."

Up against Sunderland centre-half Dan Ballard, who ranks fourth for aerial duels won in the Premier League this season, Jimenez battled hard in torrential conditions and stayed sharp to steal a march on the Northern Irishman for the winning goal.

Silva said that Jimenez's goal, his first at home in the league this season, was an important moment for the Mexican, tasked with stepping up in the absence of Rodrigo Muniz, who is sidelined until the new year with a hamstring injury.

"Definitely an important moment for him, in a tough game for him, sometimes fighting with those big guys, big fights always, defenders with him," Silva continued.

"One or two moments probably a different decision, should have created more decisions from him in some moments but with the goals he's going to get there with the right confidence for that type
of decision and after in the right moment of the game.

"Great assist, great pass from Chukwueze in that moment and what a goal, proper striker's goal in that moment."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-premier-league-marco-silva-sunderland-b1259316.html

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Fulham head coach lauds Chukwueze's impact in 1-0 win over Sunderland
Fulham head coach Marco Silva has praised Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze for his impact in his side's 1-0 over Sunderland, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old fleet-footed attacker had a quiet International Break with the Nigerian National team, as he was taken off in consecutive games after having little to no impact.

To make things worse, the three-time African Champions failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, it appears the Milan loanee has put all that behind him as he provided the assist for Fulham's only goal at Craven Cottage this evening, as his cross found Raul Jimenez inside the Sunderland box.

The Mexican put his effort away swiftly in the 84th minute, sending the home fans wild as Fulham sealed their fourth league win of the season.

Chukwueze draws praise from Fulham coach
The one-time UEFA Europa League winner drew praise from the club's manager, as did the goalscorer.

    "He [Chukwueze] had a really good impact. We had opportunities, even in the first half. I want to thank him for the cross. I was ready to score," Raul Jimenez told Jack Kelly.

Marco Silva was delighted his side were able to steal all three points from an in-form Sunderland side, who were in the top four heading into the clash at Craven Cottage.

    "We deserved the three points. We scored a late goal, but we should have scored much earlier in the game.

    "Back on track. We needed that for our fans, for them. We created 3-4 clear chances in the first half. Nothing for them apart from Traore.

    "We always had the possession well balanced, good performance overall. Massive impact from ESR and Chukwueze.

    "We are going to need Samuel [Chukwueze] from the start, but we will lose him to AFCON soon. Clean sheet, solid.

    "The goal from Raul speaks about his killer instinct. If you are a Fulham fan, you should all enjoy it.

    "The worst moment of his life, 5-6 years ago, was the way he bounced back. Raul always plays with his heart. Sometimes plays well, sometimes not so well, he gives his all.

    "It was a tough game for him, against big guys (at the back) – what a goal, proper striker goal in my opinion."

    "Nothing changed in terms of approach. Raul arrived on Friday, just for one session.

    We had the moments to go quicker, we tried to show the players what we should improve with not much time to prepare with all the players," the former Watford coach concluded.

Fulham are now 14th in the English Premier League with 14 points from their opening 12 games.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/11/fulham-head-coach-chukwueze-sunderland.html

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Exclusive: Fulham and Sunderland to face Premier League investigation with bans possible
Sunderland and Fulham are in bother with the Premier League after ugly scenes at Craven Cottage.

Fulham beat the Black Cats 1-0 on 22 November, with Raul Jimenez scoring a late winner to hand Marco Silva a much-needed three points.

For reasons unknown, however, a large coming together exploded after the full-time whistle, with a Sunderland staff member being cautioned and several others being dragged away.

Calvin Bassey and Brian Brobbey were both involved, with Darren England expected to produce a report on the incident in the days that follow.

Premier League to take action against Sunderland and Fulham
Keith Hackett was left enraged by the footage, admitting that it damaged the image of the Premier League, with an investigation and even suspensions likely being prepared.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-PGMOL chief could not believe what he was watching as the full-time whistle was blown at Craven Cottage.

"These scenes are totally unacceptable and damage the image of the Premier League across the world," Hackett said.

"There needs to be a thorough investigation and fines and suspensions if appropriate.

"The referee will submit a detailed report, and this will be included in the investigation. Both clubs will also be requested to submit a report."

Regis Le Bris and Marco Silva ignore controversy
Both Silva and Le Bris decided to stick to the football in their post-match press conferences.

The Frenchman admitted that Fulham deserved to win, with fatigue possibly hitting the Black Cats after the final international break of the year saw many miles travelled.

Sunderland were sensational against Arsenal before that break, but it looks to have caught up with them now after this lacklustre defeat in the capital.

Still sitting in an impressive sixth spot, Sunderland already have an eye on the January transfer window, with several deals possible.

As for Fulham, they could do without suspensions, given Rodrigo Muniz's crushing injury blow, and their three-point gap to the relegation zone.

Either way, this drama hasn't finished yet.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-fulham-and-sunderland-to-face-premier-league-investigation-with-bans-possible/

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Silva hails Jimenez after Fulham victory
Marco Silva hailed match-winner Raul Jimenez after Fulham's 1-0 victory over Sunderland.

The 34-year-old Mexican, who suffered a fractured skull while playing for Wolves against Arsenal in November 2020, scored a late winner at Craven Cottage.

With fellow striker Rodrigo Muniz sidelined until the new year, Jimenez has a vital role for the Whites – and was on hand to apply the all-important finish after being set up by Samuel Chukwueze.

Boss Silva declared: "It's about his killing instinct. It's something that we all should enjoy, if you are a Fulham fan or not, but if you are a Premier League fan. We have had this guy for so many years in this country scoring goals.

"He had probably the worst moment of his life five years ago. The way he bounced back with our help, with the help of his football club.

"We know that Raul is going to play, always with his heart. He can perform amazingly well, some other moments not so well, but you know that his heart is going to be always there, he's going to give everything for the shirt he can."

Jimenez only returned from international duty on Thursday but was needed by his club, given their current lack of other attacking options.

And he delivered, with his second goal in as many matches and fourth of the season.

"Definitely an important moment for him in a tough game for him," said Silva.

"Proper striker's goal in that moment. What a goal."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-hails-jimenez-after-fulham-victory

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Six Things We Learnt From Fulham 1–0 Sunderland
Fulham 1–0 Sunderland. Get in there. Fulham best performance and most important win of the season for my money. Here's Six things we learnt from Fulham 1–0 Sunderland.

Craven Cottage is a Fortress: Our Home Will Keep Us Up
It's like the early 00s all over again.

Fulham away form? Shocking. We have lost the joint most games away from home in the Premier League (5), but at home, however, Marco's men play like a completely different side. The Whites have won the joint second most home games in the Premier League (4).

Ultimately, through the trials and tribulations of a long season, consistent wins at home, making your home a fortress, is where the foundations for a Premier League team are built.

Will Fulham be upper mid table this year? No, but we've been spoilt as of late, Fulham can't be challenging for Europe every year, while dissapointing, in the way let an opportunity slip this summer, some seasons have to be consolidation seasons, seasons the goal is to simply stay in the division.

And with performances, and results like that against at the Cottage, Silva's side will no doubt separate themselves from Leeds, Burnley, and Wolves — sharpish.

Game-Changing Subs are Back: Samuel Chukwueze is a Star
🎶Chukweuze viva Chukwueze, Chukwueze!🎶

Despite seeing just 25 minutes of action, Samuel Chukwueze created the most chances on the pitch (5), and the completed the most dribbles too (2). This was vintage Chukwueze. Villareal Chukwueze. Whether it was cutting in from the left flank, or whipping in wicked crosses to Raul Jimenez on that left peg, Sammy C looked a cut above the rest on that Cottage turf this afternoon.

There was a reason why this was the man I wanted Fulham to go and get the most this summer. He must start in N17 next week.

Chukwueze wasn't the only substitute who impressed, though. Emile Smith Rowe put in an impactful display from the bench this afternoon. Smith Rowe was direct, he wanted the ball, drove with it, he found the half spaces. Every time Emile enters the fray from the bench, he looks far better than went he starts from the off.

Could ESR be a top class super sub? Why not? Expensive? Sure, but difference makers from the bench are worth their weight in gold at the top level. Could Emile finally be finding his role at FFC?

Sander Berge's Best Performance of the Season
Sander Berge has come under criticism from many as of late, myself included, and with Berge up against an acclaimed Sunderland midfield of Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, I didn't give Sander much of a chance of keeping such a robust midfield pivot at bay, especially as a one man army at the base of midfield. But, boy did he prove me wrong.

It was no doubt Berge's best performance of the campaign. Not only did the Norwegian keep Xhaka and Sadiki under lock and key, but he got forward too. Seven passes into the final third, and even a shot on target ,rounded a superb Sander showing.

Alex Iwobi Centrally: FFC's Most Important Player?
When Alex Iwobi was strutting his stuff out wide, I felt he looked isolated and off the speed at times. But in the thick of it, not with Malcom Tucker, but in the engine room of Marco Silva's midfield, Iwobi is just what Fulham have been missing — that deep lying, ball controlling №8.

With Iwobi in the middle of the park, we look a different side. Able to dictate the flow of games much better, turn the tempo up and down at ease, and play in transition like nobody's business.

My first name on the team sheet? Alex Iwobi in the №8. God help us when he goes to AFCON.

Harry Wilson Continues His Fine Form
How Harry Wilson did not score today, God only knows. That wasn't through missing guilt edge chances though, Harry was carving these chances out on his own. HW was leading Fulham forward on the break, cutting inside, and curling one just past the post, or striking the wrong side of the other post. Wilson was a thorn in the Mackems' side all game long.

Wicked for Wales, impressive against Arsenal, Wolves, and now Sunderland. There is no doubt the Welsh wizard's role in a solid mid-table side. Let's get him tied down to a new deal.

Joachim Andersen: The Leader of an Impenetrable Home Defence
Just watching Joachim Andersen command about the Fulham back four is a joy to watch. Today, he led Fulham to a second consecutive home clean sheet, with completed the most passes in the match (68), and a 100% aerial duel record to boot.

Fulham have conceded the second least goals at home in the league (3), behind Arsenal. He's Fulham's captain the other side of those white lines, he's our leader and our pseudo quarterback too. Fulham's most under appreciated player? Joachim Andersen

A Massive Three Points: Our Best Performance of The Season

There you have it. A massive three points, a win that settles the nerves. With West Ham and Forest both picking up points away from home, and a tough three fixtures upcoming, Fulham had to win, and win we did. Really, it should have been more than one, but I'm not complaining. Fulham's best performance of the season.

Time for a beer. Here's to three points! Cheers!



https://medium.com/@LondonsOriginal/six-things-we-learnt-from-fulham-1-0-sunderland-c3e3a5cc2f7e