Football Review | Fulham 1 - 0 Sunderland

Raul Jimenez struck a deserved late winner as Fulham edged past Sunderland.

The Mexican forward converted Fulham’s 18th effort of the match, finally giving Marco Silva’s side reward for a much-improved performance.

Author | Josh T

Stadium | Craven Cottage

Players and fans celebrate late winner

The breakthrough arrived after a fine delivery from substitute Samuel Chukwueze, who offered far more threat than the subdued club record signing Kevin after coming on in the second half. Jimenez was on hand to turn the cross in from close range.

The match was generally low on quality, yet Fulham’s persistence earned them only a second victory in seven league outings. The result lifts them to 14th in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone, while Sunderland drop to sixth.

Kevin passed up the best opportunity of the first half when he headed straight at goalkeeper Robin Roefs from close range. Sunderland almost punished that wastefulness within seconds of the restart, but Enzo le Fee dragged his shot narrowly wide in what proved one of the few openings on a flat afternoon for the visitors.

Fulham on the attack

More home comforts for Fulham and Silva

Fulham’s season has been underwhelming, but their form at Craven Cottage may yet spare them from being dragged into a relegation fight.

Marco Silva’s side have collected 13 of their 14 points on home soil, and they asserted control again here, enjoying 70 per cent of the ball in the opening half hour and 57 per cent overall.

They peppered the Sunderland goal as relentlessly as the rain falling beside the Thames. Alex Iwobi tried an ambitious overhead kick from the edge of the box, while Harry Wilson, buoyed by a recent hat-trick for Wales, threatened repeatedly.

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Kevin, Silva’s only major signing of the summer, endured another frustrating afternoon, squandering openings with heavy touches before being withdrawn just after the hour.

His replacement, the AC Milan loanee Samuel Chukwueze, brought greater purpose to Fulham’s attacks, running at defenders and delivering with clarity. It was his cross that produced the long overdue winner.

Silva is reportedly considering a new contract with his current deal up in the summer. Victories like this one will do his negotiations no harm.