Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 23/12/25...

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Results

Monday 22/12
Fulham	1-0	Forest
Raúl

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Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest

At a glance

    Raul Jimenez gives Fulham half-time lead with club's first penalty since January

    Vital win for Marco Silva's side after Carabao Cup exit

    Fulham up to 13th in the Premier League table, Forest stay 17th

Raul Jimenez's penalty was enough for Fulham to get their Premier League season back on track with a hard-fought win at home to Nottingham Forest.

Jimenez's spot-kick came deep into first-half stoppage time after Kevin was fouled by Douglas Luiz.

Forest threatened throughout the second half but were unable to continue their impressive recent form under Sean Dyche and move further away from the relegation zone.

The hosts, meanwhile, were able to bounce back from the disappointment of losing to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals last week by moving up to 13th in the table.

Both sides were affected by absences at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and either could have taken the lead with the help of their Brazilian forwards, Kevin and Igor Jesus, as the game ebbed and flowed in front of the assistant manager of the five-time world champions, Paul Clement, who was in attendance at Craven Cottage.

Referee Anthony Taylor awarded Fulham a penalty in first-half stoppage time though when Luiz fouled Kevin.

Jimenez made no mistake with his side's first spot-kick since January and sent John Victor the wrong way - despite the goalkeeper's best efforts to put the forward off - to score his third Premier League goal of the campaign and hand his side the advantage at the break.

His spot-kick made it 11 out of 11 during his time in England and moved him level with former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure for the best conversion rate in Premier League history.

Forest returned for the second half with a renewed intensity, best displayed by two quickfire efforts from Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White inside the opening five minutes.

But even after enjoying more of the ball in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, the visitors were still being restricted to efforts from range, with Murillo forcing a save from Bernd Leno seconds before Gibbs-White's sighter whistled past the far post.

Jimenez could have added to his tally in the 84th minute but was unable to steer Kenny Tete's cross on target after a silky move involving teenage substitute Josh King.

Fulham managed to hold on for victory to seal a sixth win in seven Premier League meetings against Forest.

Fulham analysis: Kevin shines in front of Brazil assistant
With manager Marco Silva without several of his key players because of international commitments, this was a huge victory for Fulham.

With Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze spending the month representing Nigeria at Afcon, the Cottagers were missing a trio who had started a collective total of 34 out of a possible 48 games in the Premier League this season.

But when Kevin, making just his fourth start of the league campaign, raced past the Forest defence and whipped a delightful ball across the face of goal within the first 30 seconds, it was clear Fulham were out to show they were more than capable of securing victory in the absence of their key men.

On the night, it was the unpredictability of Kevin and the experience of left-back Antonee Robinson that spurred the Cottagers to victory.

Brazil youth international Kevin, who arrived from Shakhtar for a club record £34.6m in September, was lively throughout his 78 minutes of action before being replaced by King, with his trickery and close control drawing a foul from Luiz in first-half stoppage time to earn the decisive spot-kick for his side.

At 22 years old, it is only natural that the wide forward has plenty to learn and improve upon, his decision-making in particular, but this outing is one that will provide plenty of excitement for Fulham fans, particularly when they are without Chukwueze.

With Brazil's assistant manager Clement in attendance, Kevin's performance could give the national coaches something to think about before next summer's World Cup.

In the meantime, he is likely to have plenty more opportunities to impress in the Premier League until Chukwueze returns from international duty.

Forest analysis: Dyche must get more out of attacking talent
After a near perfect start to the Dyche era at the City Ground, including progression to the knockout stage of the Europa League, this was a something of a reality check for Forest.

Four wins from nine Premier League games since the 54-year-old's appointment two months ago had lifted Forest out of the relegation zone in time for Christmas - something that seemed improbable after one win, and the sackings of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, eight games into the season.

But despite sitting five points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, Forest will know they are not out of the woods yet - and that is why defeat at Craven Cottage will feel like a massive opportunity missed.

The visitors were second best for large parts of the game but could have fired themselves ahead within 10 minutes if Igor Jesus had controlled his finish after a neat bit of play from Gibbs-White and Williams.

Despite possessing so much quality going forwards, in particular Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest finished with just two shots on target and a xG of 0.60 against a side who conceded nine goals in their three previous Premier League games.

During his time at Burnley and Everton, defensive discipline was at the heart of Dyche's plans - but to pull Forest away from the relegation zone once and for all, he will have to squeeze more out of his side's array of attacking talent.

What's next for these sides?
Fulham are next in action on Saturday, 27 December when they make the trip across London to face West Ham in the Premier League (15:00 GMT).

Nottingham Forest are also in top-flight action on the same day, in the early kick-off when they host Manchester City (12:30).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c208dd38q41t

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Post-Forest press conference
Marco Silva was delighted with his side's resilience, as Fulham beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

"Massive three points for us, massive win, and the away win against Burnley was going to have bigger impact if we could win again back at home. We spoke about that before the match, the importance of the game, and to win back-to-back in the league after the two games against City and Palace that we deserved more from.

"I have to say wasn't our best performance in terms of quality on the ball. First half, we did well, not in a consistent way, but we had some good moments where we explored our left hand side. When we overloaded we were able to create gaps and we had some some good chances.

"In the second half, we wanted to manage the game in a different way. Off the ball, we didn't give anything for them - not one chance. They had the possession, but they didn't create.

"We managed the game in the way we set up but we didn't have the ball and, in that moment, I felt that we needed Tom Cairney in order to have more possession and that was the reason the substitution. He gave the calmness for us on the ball.

"It was a professional performance from the team. We kept a clean sheet, very important for us, and we won the game that it was clear we deserved. I don't remember through all the game one chance from Nottingham Forest."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/22/post-forest-press-conference/

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Fulham star suffers GRUESOME injury so bad he can't watch while medics pop bone back into place
Joachim Andersen was left with an injury so bad he refused to even look at it during Fulham's clash with Nottingham Forest.

The Danish defender, 29, appeared to dislocate his finger during a tussle with Forest striker Igor Jesus during the first-half of Monday evening's Premier League tie at Craven Cottage.

He immediately looked to be in a world of pain and called for the play to be stopped so medics could rush onto the pitch.

It initially looked innoccous, but close-up images of his hand captured on Sky Sports cameras show the extent of the gruesome injury which left one of Andersen's fingers pointing in a different direction to the rest.

Commentator Seb Hutchinson said the 6ft 3in centre-back couldn't bare to watch while Fulham's physios popped it back into place.

However, it appeared to work just the trick as he was able to return to the match with his finger taped up.


Joachim Andersen appeared to dislocate a finger during Fulham's tie with Nottingham Forest

Brazilian striker Jesus stood over and watched while the medics worked their magic, and was seemingly apologetic about the ordeal.

Andersen was met by a large applause by the home crowd as he came back on the pitch in west London.

The Dane moved to Fulham on a permanent basis - after spending a season on loan previously - from Crystal Palace in 2024.

He has missed just six games through injury since making the £30million switch.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15407401/Fulham-Joachim-Andersen-GRUESOME-injury.html

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Fulham keep division's basement at arm's length as far-from-festive grind yields precious three points
Premier League

Fulham (1) 1 Jimenez 45+5pen

Nottingham Forest (0) 0

Fulham continue to trade in crucial wins to keep themselves afloat. Here was another vital one against another of the division's strugglers. A similar outcome at 18th placed West Ham on Saturday would be ideal for them, although their advantage over the Irons is already now at 10 points.

The Whites were way below their best and arguably missed the drive of Alex Iwobi in midfield, the attacking verve of Samuel Chukwueze and the personality of Calivin Bassey at the back. All three are with Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations so Marco Silva must do without the options they offer. At least his team did enough to edge this one without them. Just.

This was a pretty gruelling pre-Christmas watch for home fans, but they recognised their team was having to dig in to claim the victory in a tetchy contest. The team did what was necessary, in a bah humbug sort of way.

Fulham fans certainly had to be patient for any goodies to come out of the stocking.

There were few chances of note before the interval - the best coming when Antonee Robinson collected Kevin's pass to hoist a cross to the near post for Raul Jimenez to send a glancing header into the side netting.

It was all a bit helter-skelter and for Joachim Andersen particularly painful. He dislocated a finger which needed to be taped up after treatment.

Kevin too had to have a time out with a head injury early on, but fortunately he was able to continue and he carried the biggest threat. Two minutes into first-half injury time, a Douglas Luiz tackle floored him and Fulham had a penalty, which Jimenez duly put away after a stuttering run-up.

It was the Mexican's fourth goal of the campaign and means he has converted all 11 spot kicks he has taken in Premier League games.

Forest did not look to have much invention but dominated the second half as the Whites surrendered territory. Morgan Gibbs-White sent a low shot just past the post but the visitors did not carve out many openings.

Tom Cairney came off the bench to add greater control and calmness to proceedings and almost caught out keeper John Victor with a raking low drive from outside the box.

Kenny Tete put in a really impressive shift and also got forward to hook in a cross that Jimenez almost headed home for what would have been a pressure-relieving moment. But this 'last up on Match of the Day' encounter did not really deserve a second goal.

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno - Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson - Lukic, Berge (Cairney 66) - Wilson (Traore 85), Smith Rowe (Diop 85), Kevin (King 78) - Jimenez (Kusi-Asare 85)

Forest: (4-2-3-1) John Victor - Savona (Zinchenko 81), Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams - Anderson, Douglas Luiz (Dominguez 72) - Hutchinson, Gibbs-White (McAtee 73), Hudson-Odoi (Kalimuenda 92) - Igor Jesus (Awoniyi 72)



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-keep-division-s-basement-at-arm-s-length-as-far-from-festive-grind-yields-vital-three-points

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Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest: Raul Jimenez penalty earns Cottagers fortunate victory over toothless Forest
Report and free match highlights as Raul Jimenez's first-half penalty earns Fulham narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in game of few chances at Craven Cottage; visitors fail to test Bernd Leno before Jimenez misses late chance to double lead

Raul Jimenez's first-half penalty moved Fulham 10 points clear of the drop despite an underwhelming showing in their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers struggled to create in their first Premier League match without the attacking talent of Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze, but in a moment of rare quality earned their match-winning penalty when Kevin's quick feet proved too fast for Douglas Luiz, who clumsily brought him down inside his own box.

"I thought it was harsh," said Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football. "He is on the floor and tries to kick the ball away and the attacker just gets there first - and when you are on the floor trying to kick a ball away, you are almost trying to scoop the ball away.

"It is one of those where I can't say the referee has got it wrong as such, but it feels a little bit soft."

That aside, Forest goalkeeper John Victor was a relative spectator in West London with Forest controlling much of the match, without the cutting edge required to force an equaliser.

Igor Jesus fired over early on and should have tested Bernd Leno from Antonee Robinson's poor pass across his own box but was overly ponderous - a description which summed up the evening of the last Premier League fixture before Christmas.

That aside, they never posed a realistic threat to the Fulham goal and were nearly made to pay late on from Fulham's one real chance of the second half, when Jimenez glanced Kenny Tete's cross past the far post with the goal gaping.

Ultimately though, the Cottagers will only remember three points which moves them within three points of a European spot and five clear of their visitors, who remain 16th.

Silva: I don't remember Forest having a chance
Fulham head coach Marco Silva on Sky Sports:

"We spoke before the match about how it's going to be important for us to get the three points and win again at home, and to have back-to-back Premier League wins after the last three points against Burnley. The first half was better than the second.

"We scored at an important moment of the game, before half-time. The second half we did manage well, I can't remember one chance from Nottingham [Forest]."

Dyche: We never really threatened
Nottm Forest head coach Sean Dyche on Sky Sports:

"We got into good positions, but never really threatened - you have to ask more questions. Our goalkeeper has not had a save to make, apart from their penalty.

"I'm just disappointed, we had looked a threat [against Tottenham] but tonight we didn't when we got into the final third.

"Sometimes it is just a frustrating night. There was not much in the game, I don't think it was a particularly good game but you have to get something from it and we weren't able to."

Carra: No overstating size of back-to-back wins
Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football:

"We mentioned before the game, it wouldn't be the end of the world for either team if they lost, but whoever could get three points here could put a little distance between themselves and the bottom three, and it will feel huge.

"To get two wins on the bounce in the Premier League is big, certainly for teams near the bottom. That's what Fulham have done."



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-n-forest/report/531293

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Penalty king Jimenez strikes for Fulham to sink Forest
London (AFP) – Fulham climbed away from the Premier League relegation zone and left Nottingham Forest mired in the fight for survival after Raul Jimenez's penalty sealed a 1-0 win on Monday.

Marco Silva's side started the day just two points above fourth-bottom Forest, but Jimenez's first-half goal at Craven Cottage moved them 10 points clear of the bottom three.

While Fulham's relegation fears were eased heading into the Christmas schedule, Forest are just five points ahead of third-bottom West Ham in the scrap to avoid crashing into the Championship.

Forest had won six of their previous eight games in all competitions, with last weekend's 3-0 victory over Tottenham seen as a sign of their improvement under new boss Sean Dyche.

But Fulham punctured Forest's positivity as they bounced back from their midweek League Cup quarter-final loss at Newcastle.

Fulham were without Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, who are representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

But that didn't stop the Cottagers from clinching successive league wins after beating Burnley last weekend.

"We are very happy and pleased for the three points. They are massive for us," Silva said.

"We spoke before the match about how it's going to be important for us to win again at home, and to have back-to-back league victories."

Dyche added: "That killer instinct was not there tonight. It's a reminder if you're not at it, the game will go against you.

"We got into good moments, but never really threatened. We have to do the basics better."

Forest striker Igor Jesus had scored twice in his previous four appearances, but the Brazilian blazed wastefully over after Callum Hudson-Odoi's pass picked him out eight yards from goal.

Igor Jesus squandered another chance moments later with a hesitant touch that allowed Joachim Andersen to snuff out the danger with a last-ditch tackle.

In keeping with a sloppy first half from both teams, Forest midfielder Douglas Luiz swiped wildly off target and Fulham's Sasa Lukic drilled wide from the edge of the area.

Jimenez was inches away from breaking the stalemate when the Mexico striker headed into the side-netting from Antonee Robinson's cross.

Fulham finally had some momentum and they took the lead with their first shot on target deep into first-half stoppage time.

Luiz's trip on Kevin conceded the penalty and Jimenez stepped up to send John Victor the wrong way from the spot.

Jimenez has now scored all 11 penalties he has taken in the Premier League.

Igor Jesus went close to a Forest equaliser early in the second half with a chip that drifted just over.

Forest were pushing hard and Murillo forced Fulham keeper Bernd Leno into action with a long-range blast before Morgan Gibbs-White shot narrowly wide.



https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251222-penalty-king-jimenez-strikes-for-fulham-to-sink-forest

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Jimenez's penalty gives Fulham victory over Forest
Raul Jimenez's penalty just before half-time gave Fulham victory at Craven Cottage and lifted them to 13th in the Premier League table.

Jimenez's header clipped the outside of the post shortly before the Mexican netted from the spot after
Douglas Luiz fouled Kevin.

Sean Dyche's side rarely troubled Bernd Leno, but the Fulham goalkeeper did well to hold a low shot from Neco Williams.

As the second half progressed, Forest began to enjoy more possession but with no potency up front.

The Whites were also laboured and failed to significantly breach the Forest rearguard.

Jimenez did flash a header wide with six minutes remaining, before the hosts managed to see out the dull contest.

Fulham are next in action on 27 December, when they travel across London to take on Premier League strugglers West Ham.
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Berge (Cairney 66), Lukic, Smith Rowe (Diop 85), Wilson (Traore 85), Jimenez (Kusi-Asare 85), Kevin (King 78)
Subs not used: Lecomte, Castagne, Reed, Ridgeon.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jimenezs-penalty-gives-fulham-victory-over-forest

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Raúl Jiménez dents Nottingham Forest's revival to lift Fulham clear of danger
Fulham are battling. Marco Silva's options are limited and he does not have many ways to freshen up his side, but at least he can count on an experienced core and a group willing to scrap when they are at risk of being dragged towards the relegation zone.

It is putting it kindly to say this game will not live long in the memory. It was scrappy, stop-start and overly physical. Both teams were disappointing in the final third and it probably would have finished goalless but for Douglas Luiz's rush of blood to the head gifting Raul Jiménez to score the goal that lifted Fulham 10 points above the bottom three before their trip to West Ham on Saturday.

Fulham fought to claim a vital win. They remained disciplined during a tense second half and their organisation exposed Nottingham Forest's utter lack of imagination. Sean Dyche, who will no doubt grumble about the award for Jiménez's penalty, saw little from his side. Forest barely had a chance of note and will rue missing an opportunity to increase their five-point lead over West Ham in 18th place.

There was little to separate the sides during the opening exchanges. Fulham looked to make a fast start, Kevin racing down the left and firing in a dangerous cross, but Forest responded. Strong in midfield, with Elliot Anderson always showing for the ball, the visitors soon threatened. There was an early chance for Igor Jesus, who flicked over from close range after neat work from Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams, and another sight of goal for the Brazilian after a mistake from Antonee Robinson almost led to Forest going ahead in the 10th minute.

Fulham were uncomfortable when pressed high. Their small squad has been stretched by the Africa Cup of Nations – Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze are significant absentees – and there was further concern when Kevin needed lengthy attention after being kneed in the head by one of his own players.

It was just as well that the Brazilian was able to continue. He was soon putting his speed to good use again, worrying Nicolò Savona on Forest's right, and made a telling impact when he won the penalty from which Jiménez gave Fulham the lead at the end of a tight opening period.

Fulham had edged it. It spoke volumes that one of the highlights from a Forest perspective was a move breaking down when a stray pass hit the referee, Anthony Taylor. It summed up the visitors, who were aimless and uninspired in attack. Callum Hudson-Odoi, scorer of two goals during last week's win over Tottenham, was being bullied by Kenny Tete on the left and Gibbs-White was struggling to find space in influential areas.

Fulham, meanwhile, improved as the half wore on. Sasa Lukic slid a shot narrowly wide and the home fans thought that Jiménez had scored when he met Robinson's cross at the near post, only for the forward's header to fly inches wide.

Fulham were pressing as half-time approached. Five minutes were added on, partly because of Kevin's earlier injury, and the winger took advantage. The 22-year-old darted into the area from the left, drawing defenders towards him, and was sent tumbling when Douglas Luiz caught him with a loose tackle.

It was a foolish tackle from a player of Douglas Luiz's experience. The Brazilian midfielder pleaded innocence but it was a clear foul and Jiménez punished him by sending John Victor the wrong way from 12 yards.

Forest had to wake up. They had a chance at the start of the second half, Igor Jesus lobbing over. Williams threatened next, recording Forest's first shot on target when he tested Bernd Leno from 20 yards.

Fulham, sinking back, were inviting pressure. Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca found themselves getting through more work in central defence. They had lost control in midfield. Unable to keep the ball, the hosts were asking for trouble. Forest, though, were still not creating clear openings. Murillo and Gibbs-White were both overly optimistic when trying to score from improbable distances.

Forest were looking blunt with 25 minutes left. Yet Fulham were passive. Silva could sense the shift. It was not a surprise when he tried to alter the flow by introducing Tom Cairney's perceptive passing in midfield.

Cairney gave Fulham more balance with the ball. Driving forward, he almost doubled Fulham's lead in the 72nd minute. It took a fine save from John Victor to push the midfielder's shot wide.

Forest were in danger of slipping away. Dyche responded, Taiwo Awoniyi, Nicolás Domínguez and James McAtee coming on. Fulham were still holding firm. Forest had resorted to hopeful long balls by the end. They were out of ideas and it was Fulham who went closest to scoring again, only for Jiménez to head just wide from Tete's cross.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ra-l-jim-nez-dents-220727099.html

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Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Raúl Jiménez got the decisive goal at Craven Cottage as Fulham beat Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

The Mexican extended his perfect penalty record in the Premier League to 11 as Marco Silva's side earned three crucial points.

The win sees Fulham rise up to 13th in the table ahead of Christmas, 10 points clear of the relegation zone and just four points away from Sunderland in sixth.

Fulham started brightly, with Kevin beating his man and drilling a dangerous ball across the face of goal just ten seconds in, but the oncoming Raúl and Harry Wilson couldn't quite apply the finishing touch.

There was a lengthy break in play when Joachim Andersen dislocated a finger, though the Dane was able to continue after treatment.

Patient build-up led to Fulham's first real chance minutes on the 40-minute mark; Antonee Robinson was set away down the left and whipped in a dangerous cross, but Raúl's header skimmed the post.

Silva's side were starting to up the pressure on the visitors and were rewarded in first half stoppage time; Kevin took on two Forest men in the box, and his tricky footwork saw Douglas Luiz trip his fellow Brazilian. Raúl stepped up and converted, maintaining his 100% record from the spot and putting Fulham ahead.

Forest started the second half on the front foot, overloading wide areas and trying to cause problems through a series of crosses. Though nothing amounted to a clear chance, Tom Cairney was brought on soon after by Silva in an attempt to reestablish control in the midfield.

The skipper almost had an instant impact, letting fly from 25 yards, narrowly missing the target.

In a half of few chances for both sides, the substitution of Issa Diop brought a change of shape to a back-five as Fulham saw out the victory.
Fulham FC: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Lukić, Berge (Cairney 66'), Wilson (Traoré 84'), Smith Rowe (Diop 85'), Kevin (King 78'), Jiménez (Kusi-Asare 85')

Subs: Reed, Cairney, Traoré, Kusi-Asare, Castagne, Lecomte, King, Diop, Ridgeon

Nott'm Forest: John Victor, Savona (Zinchenko 81'), Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Douglas Luiz (Domínguez 73'), Anderson, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White (McAtee 73'), Hudson-Odoi (Kalimuendo 92'), Igor Jesus (Awoniyi 72')

Subs: Morato, Awoniyi, Kalimuendo, Domínguez, McAtee, Sels, Bakwa, Zinchenko, Abbott



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/22/fulham-1-0-nottingham-forest/

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Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Raul Jimenez proves to be the hero from the spot once again
Raul Jimenez scored the only goal of the match as Fulham recorded a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in Monday night's Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.

Marco Silva's side were awarded a penalty after Douglas Luiz had fouled Kevin, and Jimenez dispatched his spot kick to score what proved to be the only goal of the contest.

Fulham have risen into 13th spot in the Premier League table, boasting 23 points from their first 17 matches, while Forest stay 17th, five points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham United.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Well, this is not a Premier League match that will live long in the memory.

It was not a classic, and that is being kind, but it was an important win for Fulham, with Silva's side triumphing for the fifth time at home in the Premier League this season.

Forest did their best to force a late leveller, but it was not to be for Sean Dyche's side, with their star players, including England international Elliot Anderson, having a difficult night.

The celebrations at the final whistle were telling, with Silva breathing a sigh of relief, as this was an important win, with the London club moving 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Fulham are actually now just three points behind seventh-placed Manchester United, having won their last two in England's top flight.

MAN OF THE MATCH - KEVIN
Kevin was the star of the show for Fulham on Monday night, with the attacker putting in an excellent performance to help his side claim all three points.

The 22-year-old was the player fouled in the penalty incident, while he managed three successful dribbles, won two aerial duels and made three tackles in an all-action performance.

BEST STAT
https://x.com/OptaJoe/status/2003208723255427583

FULHAM VS. NOTTINGHAM FOREST MATCH STATS
Possession: Fulham 49%-51% Nottingham Forest

Shots: Fulham 11-12 Nottingham Forest

Shots on target: Fulham 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Corners: Fulham 1-5 Nottingham Forest

Fouls: Fulham 5-9 Nottingham Forest

WHAT NEXT?
Fulham will stay in London for their next match, with Silva's side facing a trip to the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon to tackle West Ham United.

Forest, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back from the defeat at Craven Cottage when they welcome title hopefuls Manchester City to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/nottingham-forest/relegation-battle/result/forest-pay-the-penalty-as-jimenez-hits-fulham-winner-in-craven-cottage-success_588306.html

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Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest: Jimenez keeps his cool as Cottagers record back-to-back wins
Marco Silva's side move up to 13th in the table with victory over Sean Dyche's Tricky Trees.

A first-half Raul Jimenez penalty proved enough for Fulham, who defeated Nottingham Forest to keep just their fourth Premier League clean sheet of the season.

Both sides seemed to lack the attacking prowess in the first half, with the first shot on target not coming until the fifth minute of stoppage time, when Fulham were awarded a penalty after Kevin was fouled by Douglas Luiz. Raul Jimenez converted from twelve yards to continue his flawless top-flight record from the penalty spot.

The game soon livened up in the second half with Forest looking to respond after going behind. Their best chance came when Elliot Anderson played through Morgan Gibbs-White, whose shot was narrowly wide, but aside from that, it was a relatively stress-free night for Bernd Leno.

Fulham, meanwhile, stood firm defensively but did come close on two separate occasions to doubling their advantage. Club captain Tom Cairney drilled a long-range effort inches wide before Jimenez headed wide a pinpoint cross from Kenny Tete.

The Cottagers held on for all three points and will be hoping to record a third straight win on Saturday when they travel to East London to face West Ham, whilst Forest welcome Manchester City to the City Ground.

    Story of the Match

Fulham shot stopper Bernd Leno returned to the starting eleven in place of Benjamin Lecomte, who started last Wednesday's cup defeat to Newcastle. The rest of the side remained unchanged, with Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze all away on international duty with Nigeria.

Forest manager Sean Dyche also made one change to his side from their victory over Tottenham, with Douglas Luiz coming in for Ibrahim Sangare, who was away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The home side showcased their attacking threat with less than a minute on the clock as winger Kevin forayed forward down the left, though his cross failed to find a teammate in the middle. VAR was then called into action for a handball on Callum Hudson-Odoi inside the Fulham area, but nothing was given by the referee.

Meanwhile, Forest threatened for the first time when a well-worked move resulted in Neco Williams picking out Igor Jesus, whose effort was fired off-target. The Brazilian then had another opportunity moments later after capitalising on an error from Antonee Robinson, but his attempt was blocked.

The Cottagers looked the most dangerous going forward in the opening quarter of the game, but had yet to break through the Forest defence. Fulham's best chance up to that point came through striker Raul Jimenez, though the Mexican's right-footed strike was blocked.

Douglas Luiz then tried his luck from distance as his shot sailed miles off-target, with neither side yet to conjure up a single shot on target. It was Fulham, though, who continued to look the more dominant side as Robinson delivered the ball into the middle, with Sasa Lukic putting a weak effort wide.

Marco Silva's side then came close as Kevin played the ball down the channel to Robinson, as the USA international crossed towards Jimenez, whose header hit the side netting. Meanwhile, up the other end, Leno was called into action to push away a cross from Omari Hutchinson.

However, in stoppage time, Fulham were awarded a penalty when Kevin was brought down by Luiz. Jimenez stepped up to the plate and sent John Victor the wrong way to put the West Londoners in front just before the break.

Nottingham Forest looked to respond and made a bright start to the second half. Some excellent skill from Hudson-Odoi saw him pick out Williams, as the full-back fired a shot straight into the arms of Leno. Hutchinson then delivered a cross towards Morgan Gibbs-White, but his acrobatic attempt was well wide.

Dyche's men remained in control of proceedings after the restart and continued to push for an equaliser. A long-range effort from Murillo was straight into the arms of Leno, before Gibbs-White threatened with a low driven strike that whistled wide of the target.

Meanwhile, with less than twenty minutes to go, the home side almost added a second when substitute Tom Cairney drove forward inside the Forest half, before the Fulham club captain fired a shot narrowly wide.

The Reds threatened once more as Elliot Anderson delivered a threatening cross towards Nikola Milenkovic, who was unlucky not to get his head to the ball. Fulham then had a chance to wrap up the victory when Kenny Tete combined brilliantly with Josh King, as the right-back crossed towards Jimenez, who put the ball wide.



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/12/22/premier-league/1245344-fulham-1-0-nottingham-forest-jimenez-keeps-his-cool-as-cottagers-record-back-to-back-wins.html

[WhiteJC]

Jimenez penalty gives Fulham three points for Christmas
Nottingham Forest beaten 1-0 in second straight league win for Silva's men

Who needs Father Christmas when you have Raul Jimenez? He and his teammates have taken Fulham to an important three points at Craven Cottage tonight, his penalty producing a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. It wasn't the prettiest football you'll ever see, but few will care - the relegation worries felt at points this season have alleviated somewhat, and whilst the margins are a little tight a solid defensive performance kept Forest from being able to mount a comeback, and has consolidated our place in the far-more familiar setting of the Premier League's midtable. Even in its narrowest form, a win takes the pain of a cup exit away; there's plenty for us to be pleased about tonight.

First Half
Christmas is almost upon us, and it had a dulling effect on the first moments of football. Most of the first half was spent in the doldrums, both sides struggling to turn their possession into a serious chance. In truth, it was Fulham who suffered more from this initially, stuck in ponderous patterns and moving timidly around Forest's energetic pressing. Arguably injury delays were the biggest headline of the opening phase; Kevin bundled into Berge's legs during one defensive spell, hurting his head, and Andersen's defensive duties led to a gnarly dislocated finger.

Iwobi's international action has removed one of the smoothest cogs in the Fulham machine; Lukic and Berge lack his vision and guile, which made our central territory sterile at times. The return of Robinson meant our biggest threat was down the left, through the American and Kevin's speed with Smith-Rowe's nifty movement - but Robinson's rustiness showed early on, wayward with his passing and inviting danger around the back. A well-timed Andersen slide tackle stopped one wasteful pass leading to Igor Jesus turning and shooting in the box.

Indeed, Forest looked the more tenacious side at times. Luiz and Anderson provided versatility, Gibbs-White wrestled his way around the pitch in search of the ball, Williams overlapped with Hudson-Odoi to attack Forest and Hutchinson had a magnetic attraction to the space Robinson left on his flank. Despite seeing less of the ball, they had an energy on it that bettered ours, requiring serious defensive interventions for Cuenca and Andersen. Thankfully, our centre-backs were attuned to the danger - after a dangerous set of attacks early on they limited Igor's touches in the box, and pushed their shots to the fringe of the box. Douglas Luiz blasted a long-shot well off-target but for all Gibbs-White's industriousness their closest moment for the latter section of the half was a Hutchinson cross Leno flapped at.

What of Fulham, then? It wasn't pretty for long periods; the team was clearly still acclimatising to our Nigerian absences. Our best moments, where the players' passing radars were activated and we worked our way around our opponent's rugged pressing, invariably came through the work on the left, with Robinson trying to reactivate his old form and combining with Kevin. We seemed to stutter and die when we reached the box though, as our decision-making disintegrated. Kevin and Wilson had pacey runs in space, bombing towards the final third, halted by dithering in the key moments - stopped by Savona and the Luiz-Anderson combo respectively. Smith Rowe drove into Forest territory nicely, using Kevin and Robinson to give himself space to create opportunities, yet his teammates couldn't turn his innovation into success, Kevin wriggling into the box from one such set-up but unable to stop Milenkovic blocking his shot.

But as time went on, and these moments started to compound, we began to find a confidence of old. From Cuenca at the back, a passing move took us into the box via Jimenez and a Kevin lay off that Lukic narrowly planted wide of goal with his shot. Smith Rowe, fully enjoying space away from Douglas Luiz, fed Kevin, who dispatched Robinson ahead of Savona; he lifted it into the box, but Jimenez glanced his header wide.

He had the chance to redeem himself shortly afterwards though - receiving the ball from Leno, the Mexican played a one-two with Lukic against a tough physical challenge from Milenkovic. From another well-placed Smith Rowe pass lay-off, Kevin carried the ball into the box, wriggling away from Savona and Douglas Luiz. The latter stretched his foot to try and stop his compatriot, making contact with him in the process. And from the resulting penalty, after a lengthy delay that saw keeper John Victor booked, Jimenez coolly slotted his penalty into the bottom left of the goal. Fulham had shaken off the lethargy and had a lead to take into the half time break.

Second Half
We'd done well to get into the lead - Forest under Dyche have been a decent outfit, and the combination of graft with their talent around the pitch made it unlikely they would settle down. Their 4-2-3-1, once Fulham had found their gears, was one we could work around with sharp passes, and our play down the left could easily have yielded a few more goals than Jimenez's lone penalty.

The remedy for Dyche? More intensity. Anderson stepped higher up the pitch, Forest's forward units turned their own intensity levels up and Fulham's goal entered their crosshairs to a greater degree. It produced a glut of early chances for Forest as the second half started, refusing to let the hosts settle into an early lead. Igor Jesus, a peripheral figure towards the end of the first half, latched onto a Gibbs-White lofted through ball and outmuscled Andersen and Cuenca as the ball bounced goalwards, but he lifted the ball too high to trouble Leno. Hudson-Odoi continued to speed into action, running down our right and cutting away from Lukic before feeding it to Williams tucked inside - thankfully, his shot curled neatly into Leno's hands. From the other side, Hutchinson's eye for a pass continued to ask dangerous questions, crossing the ball into dangerous areas - Gibbs-White may wish to shield his eyes from his offside, hideously off-target bicycle kick from one such act though.

It was a tough opening 15 minutes or so, the ball stuck bouncing around our half and easily making its way into our final third. Berge hauling Gibbs-White down and collecting a booking seemingly forced Silva's hand - the Norwegian was taken off for Cairney, required to run the midfield for the final thirty minutes. What a change it was though - with Forest storming around, our captain's composure on the ball soaked up pressure and took the sting out of the game, giving Fulham vital oxygen in a tough situation.

It's remarkable how often we forget what the benefit of Fulham's possession play can be. Every second we spend on the ball is one fewer the opposition has to try and score a goal. When said opponent is trailing, having thrown considerable energy earlier in the half to find the equaliser, it increases the stress they feel, generating more careless play and subsequently opening the opportunity up for a forward pass, a dangerous run, a chance at goal. Who better than Tom Cairney to try and advantage this, a student of Marco's from the Championship days to now? He enjoyed himself too, at one point winning the ball from Anderson in the middle and feeding Wilson; if Kevin had a little more composure - again - he might have taken John Victor on instead of cutting back. The captain had his own chance too - driving forward into space in front of the backline, Cairney fired a shot at the goal, bobbling just wide following a palm away from the keeper.

Dyche didn't like what he was saying, and put his own changes on, a triple substitution with Awoniyi, Dominguez and McAtee on for Jesus, Gibbs-White and Luiz. It put more energy on the pitch for the visitors, and certainly achieved a reversal in where the play was centred, granting possession back to Forest more frequently. But it also removed the combined danger of Jesus and Gibbs-White from the heart of our defence, lessening the burden our two centre-backs had to face. Whilst plenty of crosses could be swung in - Forest had a plethora of options willing to take them - Awoniyi couldn't match the presence of his predecessor, and McAtee didn't have the ferocity to claw himself into battle.

Indeed, Fulham were starting to enjoy the contest. King arrived for Kevin and started to carry the ball forward, eating time and life out of Forest's game. Following a corner (narrowly missed by Milenkovic) the young starlet combined nicely with Tete down the right to unpiece Forest's defence and whip a brilliant cross into the box. The move unpieced the defence, leaving substitute Zinchenko behind, dragging Murillo out of position and letting Jimenez bolt ahead of Milenkovic and Williams - his header flashed wide of goal though, depriving him of an assist.

It didn't matter though - as Dyche continued to tweak his team, already having added Zinchenko for more passing creativity and taking a well-worn Hudson-Odoi off for Kalimuendo, the finish line drew closer for Fulham. When we focus, we can be really effective - Silva put the lesser-spotted Kusi-Asare on with Diop and Traore to add some physical muscle to proceedings, moving into a back five and throwing their own press at Forest to keep their play stagnated. Forest didn't have the extra edge to break us down - we shut them out of our box, won a few free-kicks (amidst a few we didn't - King took a bit of a kicking towards the end) and, following some professional catches for Leno from some crosses, took ourselves to the three points.

Never sniff at a 1-0 win...
We're one of the most deprived teams in the league following AFCON, and we shouldn't underestimate the loss Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze represent for our team. Therefore, there should be some lenience for the dull start - the team kicked into gear, did enough to eke out the margins and claim the victory. A penalty shouldn't be sniffed at - perhaps Kevin et al should have taken a chance from open play, but then perhaps Douglas Luiz shouldn't have fouled him in the box? Such moments, as demonstrated today, can make the difference today, and when you stop your opponent from scoring they can win three points that may well prove decisive in May.

On the topic of the penalty, let's give some praise to Raul Jimenez. The man will have become the dictionary definition for haggard by the time Muniz returns, but his effort cannot be faulted, and he continues to excel even through this exhausted state of existence. 11 out of 11 penalties, level with 2010s icon Yaya Toure as holder of the most spot-kicks taken at a 100% rate, is no easy feat. Trickier, and harder to spot, is the work he does around the pitch, taking individual touches to set his teammates down the attacking channels, or linking play together from unexpected positions. What a shift he's doing - let's hope his Christmas is a particularly restful one.

He had the finishing touch that his teammates didn't, but it isn't all gloom for them. Kevin is the easy target of criticism, and it is frustrating to see him struggle in the box so much, but with time he can get to the killer instinct other attackers have had. The pace and inventiveness is really encouraging, and if he can get a run of games building chemistry with Robinson - who is already growing back into his best form - the goal returns will start to flow. Wilson was quieter on the right and seemed to attract more attention from Forest's defenders over the course of the game - it makes the moves of Smith Rowe feel even smarter, the erstwhile Arsenal man moving to the left to create play. He's risen to the challenge of King really nicely, and long may it continue. From King's cameo, it'll be clear both want the limelight going forward!

Berge has enjoyed stronger games in the middle and will back himself to be more attuned to players like Gibbs-White in the future. Lukic started slowly but got himself involved in several impressive passing sequences around the pitch, and worked really nicely with Cairney towards the end of the game, encouraging for his own role over the next few weeks. Cairney's wisdom and experience on the ball arrived at a critical juncture to guide Fulham through the second half; he's blown hot and cold, but today demonstrated his value to the team.

The result of this meant that our backline earnt a clean sheet, something never to be taken for granted. Andersen had an outstanding game and was delightful across the game, perfect in many a moment with his timing and execution. Cuenca showcased his own talents, and looks set to enjoy himself with Bassey on another continent - his comfort on the ball makes him a natural fit in the team. Robinson has a touch of rustiness to him at times, but he will surely shake it off with time - in the closing moments, he was very sharp to the balls flying around our left. Tete is usually the top dog at the back - whilst Hudson-Odoi and Williams had a lot of fun, by the end of the game it was clear who was in charge. Leno should be pleased too - other than a panicked flap for a cross in the first half, his glovework from a smattering of chances, be it catching long shots or punching corners, were every bit as important as the defensive contributions in front of him.

Forest for the axe?
As for Forest, it's a Christmas Day they'll spend looking over their shoulders, particularly at West Ham. I don't think the 5 point gap they currently enjoy will last - Nuno is a decent coach, and even Parker at Burnley will claw points out of games that keep them competitive over the season. However, it's hardly the worst situation to be in for Dyche's men. The centre-backs are good, Luiz and Anderson work brilliantly, Hudson-Odoi and Hutchinson know what to do to get the ball into dangerous areas and with Gibbs-White they have a player willing to fight out the stickier moments in a game.

Playing in Europe does make life a little trickier in terms of fatigue - the team noticeably wilted at points in the game and coasted towards the conclusion. Dyche can work a lot out of players but his teams have never typically been in Europe, giving him an extra quandary. He'll need more out of his striker Jesus, who couldn't get enough out of the chances his teammates gave him, and certainly expect his substitutes to match the intensity of the players they replace - I don't recall McAtee touching the ball once, whereas Gibbs-White seemed to find possession in every attacking move Forest made. Are these problems the manager can fix in time? Should the bottom three (two, really) start to pick things up, these questions may start to get louder.

Questions of a different sort can be asked to Marco Silva, though. With two wins on the bounce, and a couple of competitive trips away from home before the tougher fixtures return, can Fulham pick up some points over Christmas and try and climb up the league table? It feels a lot, of course, especially with the troubles of the season still fairly fresh in the mind and absences, injuries, AFCON or otherwise, taking their toll on the squad. But hope lives on for Fulham, and with Silva's team still able to piece together tight victories like today, there will always be part of me that pieces together a route to the upper reaches of the table. And if anything, we will spend our Christmas Day knowing a healthy gap sits between us and the despondency the three teams from 18th down have on their minds.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/jimenez-penalty-gives-fulham-three

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest: Raul Jimenez the matchwinner as Cottagers claim crucial victory
Cottagers leapfrogged Tottenham with win

A Raul Jimenez penalty fired Fulham to a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest to condemn Sean Dyche's side to Christmas in the relegation mix.

Jimenez struck late in the first half after Douglas Luiz was adjudged to have fouled Brazilian winger Kevin.

Forest had travelled to west London knowing a victory would have lifted them above Fulham into the relatively calm waters of 15th place.

But after a fourth defeat from four Premier League trips to Craven Cottage, the Reds remain just one place above the drop zone, albeit with a healthy five-point cushion between them and West Ham.

Forest's best chance of the first half fell to Igor Jesus after Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White combined to send Neco Williams clear down the left.

Williams fizzed in a low cross which found the Brazilian striker, who illustrated why he only has one league goal to his name this season by blazing high over the crossbar.

The watching Paul Clement, Carlo Ancelotti's assistant for the Brazil national team, is unlikely to have been impressed.

Fulham defender Joachim Andersen suffered a painful injury after challenging Jesus midway through the first half.

Some of the crowd winced, but the Dane barely flinched when his dislocated finger was reset on the pitch.

Fulham eventually began to threaten as half-time approached, with Antonee Robinson overlapping and pulling the ball back for Sasa Lukic, who dragged his shot wide.

They came even closer moments later when another Robinson cross was headed into the side-netting by Jimenez.

Then, in first-half stoppage time, the grounded Luiz attempted to hook the ball away from Kevin, only to catch the winger on the heel.

The incident looked similar to one at Everton on Saturday, when Arsenal defender William Saliba caught Thierno Barry but no penalty was given.

However, "the contact was sufficient for a foul" was the VAR's verdict this time and Mexican frontman Jimenez duly stepped up and then stuttered before sending Forest goalkeeper John Victor the wrong way.

It was Jimenez's fourth goal of the season and his 11th successful Premier League penalty from 11 attempts.

After the break Cottagers keeper Bernd Leno got down well to fend away a stinging drive from Williams and held another from Murillo.

But it was Fulham who came closest to finding the net again, with Jimenez glancing Kenny Tete's inviting cross wide when it looked easier to score.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-nottingham-forest-jimenez-b1263668.html

[WhiteJC]

'I've never missed': Raul cool as a cucumber from the spot to lift Fulham over Forest
A record-equalling first half penalty from Raul Jimenez gave Fulham a 1-0 win over lowly Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Monday.

The London side sought to avoid losing three consecutive home league games for only the second time since being promoted in 2022 and Jimenez's precise strike from 12 meters ensured it avoided that fate in an uninspiring encounter.

An uneventful first half came to life seconds before halftime when Fulham was awarded a spot kick following a foul by Douglas Luiz on his fellow Brazilian Kevin.

Mexican striker Jimenez scored for the 11th time in 11 attempts to preserve his 100% conversion record in the league. Only one other player, Yaya Toure, has scored 11 out of 11 penalties in the competition.

"I like to have the pressure of the penalties," Jimenez said.

"I have never missed. I am really happy about that and I want to continue like that. If there are more penalties to come then I will be there."

Forest came more into the game at the start of the second half but Fulham had the best chances to score with Jimenez and Kevin both spurning good opportunities.

The result in the Premier League's last match before Christmas lifted the Cottagers two places into 13th, equal on points with the teams above it, Brentford and Newcastle.

Forest remained in 17th, five points clear of the bottom three.



https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/12/23/ive-never-missed-raul-cool-as-a-cucumber-from-the-spot-to-lift-fulham-over-forest/

[WhiteJC]

'A massive win' for Fulham – Silva
Marco Silva described the 1-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest as a "massive win" for Fulham.

Raul Jimenez's penalty in first-half stoppage time made it back-to-back wins for Silva's side and took them up to 13th in the Premier League table.

"The result, 100%, is a massive three points and a massive win," Whites boss Silva declared.

"It wasn't our best performance, but I don't remember one chance for Forest all game.

"They had the possession but didn't create and we managed the game well. It was a professional performance from our team."

Jimenez made it 14 successfully converted penalties from 14 and the veteran striker continues to be a key player.

"He's reliable. The calmness, the quality, the braveness to wait until the last moment for the goalkeeper to move," Silva said.

Silva added that Harry Wilson "looks like he's going to be okay," despite the Welshman going off late on after picking up a knock.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/a-massive-win-for-fulham-silva