Fulham lead Forest through Jimenez penalty
Cottagers are 15th in table
Forest are five points off drop zone in 17th
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That is all for this live page on a great night for Fulham as they edge past Nottingham Forest.
There is a match to come tomorrow as the final Carabao Cup quarter-final takes place as Arsenal entertain Crystal Palace.
Thanks as always for joining us and for your contributions. Until next time, bye for now.
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Keifer MacDonald
BBC Sport
Image source, Getty ImagesRaul 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-final last week by moving up to 13th in the table.
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
More from Fulham boss Marco Silva, speaking to Sky Sports on the reliability of Raul Jimenez: "He's very important and he needed goals. He had two good chances with the head, two great headers from him. One in the first half because the reality in the first half we had two great chances first half. One with Sasa Lukic at the edge of the box and the other of Raul to start leading the score.
"He's a hard worker. He's a guy that always puts everything on the pitch. He gives his heart for the team. He's going to fight for the shirt every single moment. Of course, he needs confidence. The goals will give him confidence because he will start to link our game to be the right guy. I'm pleased for him. In that moment he was cool enough to decide in a great penalty."
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Forest were very poor, could have played until Boxing Day and not scored.
Roger, Southport
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, speaking to Sky Sports, said: "We got into good moments, but never really threatened - you have to ask more questions. Our goalkeeper has not had a save to make, apart from their penalty.
"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.
"They got praise rightly for a big performance last week, but that edge, that killer instinct was not there tonight and it's a reminder if you're not at it it will go against you.
"We want to win as many games as we can and it was a good opportunity tonight. It would've been a good point. We didn't do enough to lose the game so that's the frustration. We have to do the basics better."
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Image source, Getty ImagesFulham boss Marco Silva, speaking to Sky Sports: "We are very happy and pleased for the players for the three points. They are massive for us. 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. Those three points make more sense if you're going to win at home, and we did it.
"At the end, a difficult game. The first half was better than the second from ourselves. You manage well the second half off the ball. On the ball was not at our level, but the first half we had some good moments the way we started the game.
"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], that is the truth."
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have failed to score in four of their last six away Premier League games and in five of their last eight, after finding the back of the net in each of their eight on the road before that.
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I thought that Fulham played very well 1-0 today. I thought the goalkeepers made some good saves, but well done for them but the players did well today, good game.
Max, Croydon
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Image source, Getty ImagesFulham matchwinner Raul Jimenez, speaking to Sky Sports: "We knew it was going to be a tough game but we made good things in the pitch. Both halves I think were really tough. We know they're a team fighting at the bottom zone, but we are also there. We are happy with these three points."
On waiting for the goalkeeper to move for the penalty: "It's always what I do. I do it well, so it's something I have been training my whole career. I like to have this pressure with these penalties. I'm happy to score.
"I've never missed [a penalty in the Premier League]. I'm really happy about that, so I want to keep doing it like that. More penalties to come, I'll be there.
"It's a tough period with a lot of matches. I think we have five games in two weeks so it's going to be tough, but we are going to be there ready for it."
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Since the start of November, only Manchester City (21), Aston Villa (21) and Arsenal (17) have earned more points in the Premier League than Fulham (15).
Fulham have also won four of their last six Premier League games (lost two), as many victories as they enjoyed in their previous 15 games (drawn two, lost nine).
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Forest could have played all night and not scored. Can’t seem to play against Fulham. Disappointing.
Kevin, Beith
Exceptionally poor display from Forest - no attacking intent. Going to be a long season with Dyche in charge
Nick, Manchester
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Fulham jump up from 15th to 13th. Forest stay 17th, one place and five points above the relegation zone.
FT: Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Jamie Carragher
Former Liverpool defender on Sky Sports
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.
Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Fulham get the three points through Raul Jimenez's penalty in first-half stoppage time. Forest started the second half brightly but did not do enough to force an equaliser.
Image source, Getty ImagesFulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Fulham captain Joachim Andersen, who has been excellent in the heart of the home defence, talks himself into a late booking.
Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
One last throw of the Forest dice with striker Arnaud Kalimuendo on for Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on Sky Sports
This is a big moment in Fulham's season. It's the chance for back-to-back Premier League wins again after falling short against Crystal Palace.
Image source, ReutersFulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Omari Hutchinson with a ball into the middle, with Bernd Leno collecting the ball above his head.
Six minutes of added time for Fulham to see out.
Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
That is Raul Jimenez's last action of the match as he is one of three players to be substituted by Marco Silva.
Eighteen-year-old striker Jonah Kusi-Asare, on loan from Bayern Munich, is one of those on, along with Issa Diop and Adama Traore. Harry Wilson and Emile Smith Rowe the other two to come off.
Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Rob Green
Former England goalkeeper on Sky Sports
He's got to score. He's got to put the game away.
It's brilliant from the two down the right-hand side.
Raul Jimenez is at the near post and it's got the pace and the angle. He will be disappointed.
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.
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Silva delighted with 'massive' three points
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 not 'clear-headed enough' against Fulham - Dyche
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 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 this defeat 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 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 an 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.
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).
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 31 | 10 | 21 | 39 |
| |
| 17 | 12 | 1 | 4 | 41 | 16 | 25 | 37 |
| |
| 17 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 27 | 18 | 9 | 36 |
| |
| 17 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 17 | 12 | 29 |
| |
| 17 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 29 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 27 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 31 | 28 | 3 | 26 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 26 |
| |
| 17 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 23 | 2 | 24 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 18 | 20 | -2 | 24 |
| |
| 17 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 23 | 22 | 1 | 23 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 24 | 25 | -1 | 23 |
| |
| 17 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 24 | 26 | -2 | 23 |
| |
| 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 26 | 23 | 3 | 22 |
| |
| 17 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 29 | -3 | 22 |
| |
| 17 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 24 | 31 | -7 | 19 |
| |
| 17 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 18 |
| |
| 17 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 35 | -16 | 13 |
| |
| 17 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 19 | 34 | -15 | 11 |
| |
| 17 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 9 | 37 | -28 | 2 |
|
Manager:Marco Silva
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Sean Dyche
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Marco Silva
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Manager:Sean Dyche
Formation:4 - 2 - 3 - 1
High chance of scoring
Medium chance of scoring
Low chance of scoring
Dominant period
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
Match momentum measures the swing of the match by comparing each team’s threat to see who is more likely to score within that minute. The momentum value is the difference between each team’s most dangerous moment, or team threat, in that minute.
| Minute | Team with most threat |
|---|---|
Kick off 1' | Fulham |
2' | Fulham |
3' | Fulham |
4' | Nottingham Forest |
5' | Nottingham Forest |
6' | Nottingham Forest |
7' | Fulham |
8' | Fulham |
9' | Nottingham Forest |
10' | Nottingham Forest |
11' | Nottingham Forest |
12' | Nottingham Forest |
13' | Nottingham Forest |
14' | Nottingham Forest |
15' | Nottingham Forest |
16' | Nottingham Forest |
17' | Nottingham Forest |
18' | Nottingham Forest |
19' | Nottingham Forest |
20' | Nottingham Forest |
21' | Nottingham Forest |
22' | Nottingham Forest |
23' | Nottingham Forest |
24' | Fulham |
25' | Fulham |
26' | Fulham |
27' | Fulham |
28' | Fulham |
29' | Fulham |
30' | Fulham |
31' | Fulham |
32' | Fulham |
33' | Nottingham Forest |
34' | Nottingham Forest |
35' | Nottingham Forest |
36' | Nottingham Forest |
37' | Nottingham Forest |
38' | Fulham |
39' | Fulham |
40' | Fulham |
41' | Fulham |
42' | Fulham |
43' | Fulham |
44' | Fulham |
45' | Fulham |
45'+1 | Fulham |
45'+2 | Fulham |
45'+3 | Fulham |
45'+4 | Fulham |
45'+5 | FulhamPenalty |
45'+6 | Fulham |
Half time 45'+7 | Fulham |
46' | Fulham |
47' | Fulham |
48' | Nottingham Forest |
49' | Nottingham Forest |
50' | Nottingham Forest |
51' | Nottingham Forest |
52' | Nottingham Forest |
53' | Nottingham Forest |
54' | Nottingham Forest |
55' | Nottingham Forest |
56' | Nottingham Forest |
57' | Nottingham Forest |
58' | Nottingham Forest |
59' | Nottingham Forest |
60' | Nottingham Forest |
61' | Nottingham Forest |
62' | Nottingham Forest |
63' | Nottingham Forest |
64' | Nottingham Forest |
65' | Nottingham Forest |
66' | Nottingham Forest |
67' | Nottingham Forest |
68' | Nottingham Forest |
69' | Nottingham Forest |
70' | Nottingham Forest |
71' | Fulham |
72' | Fulham |
73' | Fulham |
74' | Fulham |
75' | Fulham |
76' | Nottingham Forest |
77' | Nottingham Forest |
78' | Nottingham Forest |
79' | Nottingham Forest |
80' | Nottingham Forest |
81' | Nottingham Forest |
82' | Nottingham Forest |
83' | Nottingham Forest |
84' | Nottingham Forest |
85' | Fulham |
86' | Fulham |
87' | Fulham |
88' | Fulham |
89' | Fulham |
90' | Fulham |
90'+1 | Fulham |
90'+2 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+3 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+4 | Nottingham Forest |
90'+5 | Nottingham Forest |
Full time 90'+6 | Nottingham Forest |
Premier League
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Fulham have won five of their six Premier League games against Nottingham Forest, including all three at home. It’s their highest win rate against any side they’ve faced more than twice in the competition (83%).
Nottingham Forest have lost all three of their Premier League away games against Fulham by an aggregate score of 9-1. It’s their worst 100% loss rate away from home against any opponent in the competition.
Fulham have lost seven of their last nine Monday night (7pm or later) matches in the Premier League, though the two exceptions have been victories in their last two Monday night home games (vs Wolves and Brentford).
Nottingham Forest lost their first Monday game following their return to the Premier League in 2022 (0-4 vs Leicester) but are since unbeaten in their last seven on this day (W4 D3).
Fulham have lost their last two Premier League home games. Since their return to the top-flight in 2022, they’ve only lost three in a row at Craven Cottage once, doing so in April/May last season.
Nottingham Forest have won four of their last six Premier League games (L2), more than they had in their previous 18 (W3 D5 L10). Forest have scored 3+ goals in three of their eight Premier League games under Sean Dyche, as many times as Everton did in their final 49 under Dyche.
Fulham have both scored and conceded in each of their last four Premier League games, with these games producing a total of 20 goals (5 per game).
All seven of Fulham’s goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season have been from corners, with only Arsenal (9) netting more corner goals than the Cottagers.
Fulham’s Harry Wilson has been involved in six goals in his last four Premier League games (3 goals, 3 assists). Overall, he’s been involved in eight goals this season (5 goals, 3 assists), his second most in a top-flight campaign after 2023-24 (10).
Ibrahim Sangaré was involved in all three of Nottingham Forest’s goals in their 3-0 win over Tottenham last time out (1 goal, 2 assists), having registered just two goal involvements in his first 42 Premier League appearances.
