Raul Jimenez delayed the game in the pouring rain to give Fulham a much-needed 1-0 win against highland Sunderland at Craven Cottage.
Fulham dominated the game, aiming for their fourth win of the season, but as the game progressed they seemed to regret missing so many chances.
But Samuel Chukwueze’s well-weighted cross and Jimenez’s deft finishing saved Marco Silva’s side.
Fulham faced the reality of being dragged into the relegation zone and went into the game just one point away from the trapdoor, but a win would mean they would move up to 14th place.
Sunderland were within four points of league leaders Arsenal, but suffered a crushing defeat with only one shot on target from both sides.
Regis Le Bris’ side have dropped to sixth place, but with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur still playing games, they could finish this game in 10th place.
Now, Sunderland’s frustration after failing to win in three games was evident after the final whistle, when a brief scuffle broke out involving staff from both sides.
How Fulham achieved their long-awaited victory over Sunderland
Fulham’s Raul Jimenez goes for goal
It rained at Craven Cottage throughout the match. It was gray, wet and cold, but that didn’t stop a smooth start on both sides.
However, very early on it became clear that Fulham were the hungrier of both teams having taken away the momentum.
Alex Iwobi’s wayward overhead kick attempt was a show of confidence for a team that goes into this game just one point out of the relegation zone.
Still, Fulham continued to press. Sunderland stopper Robin Roofs made four saves in the game, including denying Kevin a one-on-one in the 23rd minute.
Only five of Fulham’s shots were on target, but the story of this game is more rooted in chances that went wide.
The closest player to the goal was Harry Wilson, who dragged it home from inside the wide area of the mark. Emile Smith Rowe also came close to scoring with a half-volley from distance, but it curled wide. Iwobi’s shot from distance was less impressive but further reflected Fulham’s desperation to grab all three points.
Ultimately, Silva will get high hopes from the number of chances and shots his team has created.
Le Bris, on the other hand, will be feeling the tough nature of the top league, with his team now winless in three games.
‘Original striker’ Jimenez is the key to Fulham’s revival
William Vitibili says Jimenez could be key for Fulham to rebuild their season after a difficult start
Analysis by William Bitibiri of Craven Cottage:
“Raul Jimenez scored a ‘proper striker’s goal’ when he scored the much-needed and deserved winning goal for Fulham against Sunderland. ‘Killer instinct’ and ‘exemplary’ were the other superlatives Marco Silva used to praise his No. 9 after the game.”
“Silva revealed that Jimenez has only trained once since returning from duty in Mexico, but he didn’t even train because he was worried about a hamstring injury during the trip. But what impressed Silva most was the striker’s determination. If Jimenez can continue to find his form, he could prove invaluable to a Fulham team that has struggled to find itself this season.
“At times the Cottage lacked a clinical edge or creative force, but with a goal like the one Jimenez scored, he can turn things around. Fulham have found their creative spark. Their 24 shots in this game was more than double their average in their previous 11 Premier League games this season.”
“When asked where that came from, Silva replied that the main difference is that his team is ‘objective’. If they have found an objective formula, Jimenez may just be waiting for a personal comeback.”
Silva: We controlled every moment of the match – we deserved the win
Marco Silva praised his team’s overwhelming performance
Fulham manager Marco Silva:
“Obviously we deserved the three points, it was a good performance from us.
“We scored the goal late in the game, but we should have scored the goal earlier in the game. So it’s a return to the right track after our last performance, which was not up to par on the road.”
“We knew we should have treated our fans differently this afternoon, and we did it for us and for them, and we did it.
“We did that, controlled almost every moment of the game, created enough chances and were able to score the game with three or four clear chances in the first half.
“Apart from one moment in the first half, when they had good combinations on the right side, we didn’t give them anything.”
Le Bris: We played against a good “dominant” team
Regis Le Bris lamented his team being involved in a scuffle after the final whistle
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris:
“As expected, we played against a good team. For example, against Arsenal a few weeks ago they were really good, so it was really clear that they have this attacking threat, this ability to create chances and the ability to dominate the ball.
“I think we managed to do well in this area in the first half. We weren’t aggressive enough to make changes and change the flow, but we tried to change this area during halftime.”
“I think we had our chances at the beginning of the second half. I think we felt we could change things, but it wasn’t enough.”
Regarding the post-match brawl:
“I told the players in the dressing room after the game that I don’t like to play last.
“Because you still have energy in the tank, which means maybe before you push someone else.
“I mean, I don’t know what happened before, but it’s not a positive situation for me.”
