Football Review | West Ham 0 - 1 Fulham

Raúl Jiménez struck late to hand Fulham a third consecutive league win 

The result means the struggling Hammers are now seven matches without a victory.

Author | Jamie Pugh

Stadium | London Stadium

Opportunities were scarce for much of a tight contest, but Jiménez once again proved decisive. Having scored the only goal against Nottingham Forest on Monday, the Mexico forward nodded home Harry Wilson’s cross after Ollie Scarles failed to deal with the danger, breaking West Ham resistance in the closing stages.

The defeat will sting for West Ham, who had enough chances to take something from a match they would have earmarked as winnable. Jarrod Bowen was denied by Bernd Leno and then flicked another effort narrowly wide from close range, while substitute Callum Wilson dragged two presentable chances off target.

As the game drifted towards a goalless conclusion, the decisive moment came when Scarles misjudged a clearance, allowing Wilson time and space to deliver for Jiménez, whose fourth league goal of the campaign settled the contest. Scarles was left in tears at the final whistle.

The loss leaves West Ham 18th in the table, five points from safety, with a home fixture against Brighton followed by a trip to bottom club Wolves offering little respite as the pressure continues to mount.

Fulham fans delighted with the three points

Edward: I felt we were largely in control and that the win was deserved. West Ham fashioned a few decent chances, but my confidence in Bernd Leno never wavered. Three valuable points and the prospect of European qualification is firmly back on the agenda.

William: To grind out a result like this while missing three players to Afcon and coping with injuries is hugely encouraging. Recent form has been excellent and with a couple of smart additions in January, there is reason to wonder how far this side might go.

Leigh: Marco Silva continues to coax the maximum from a small, experienced squad. Fulham may lack flair and can appear pedestrian at times, but they are organised, collective and diligent in their preparation. Another mid-table finish looks likely and given the club’s budget and resources, that would represent a solid achievement. Silva may feel the owners lack the ambition to fully support him and there is a sense this could be his final season. This was a vital victory over a West Ham side short on confidence and facing a real fight to avoid relegation.