A late first-half penalty from Raul Jimenez proved decisive as Fulham edged a tense 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on Monday night. The result leaves Sean Dyche's Forest side perilously positioned just one place above the relegation zone as the festive fixtures approach.
Spot-Kick Decides Tense London Encounter
The match's pivotal moment arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Fulham's Brazilian winger Kevin went down under a challenge from Forest's Douglas Luiz, who attempted to hook the ball clear but caught the attacker's heel. After a review, the Video Assistant Referee advised that "the contact was sufficient for a foul", overturning the on-field decision.
Mexican striker Raul Jimenez assumed responsibility from 12 yards. Employing his trademark stuttered run-up, he sent Forest goalkeeper John Victor the wrong way to score what would be the game's only goal. It was Jimenez's fourth goal of the season and maintained his perfect record from the spot for Fulham, making it 11 successful penalties from 11 attempts.
Forest Rue Missed Opportunities and VAR Call
Nottingham Forest had travelled to West London knowing a win would lift them above their hosts into 15th place. Their best chance of the opening period fell to striker Igor Jesus, who blazed over from close range after excellent work from Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White sent Neco Williams clear down the left.
The visitors were left frustrated by the penalty award, feeling it contrasted with a similar incident involving Arsenal's William Saliba at Everton just two days prior, which went unpunished. After the break, Forest pressed with Bernd Leno saving well from Neco Williams and Murillo, but they could not find an equaliser.
Fulham had chances to extend their lead, most notably when Jimenez himself glanced a header wide from Kenny Tete's cross. The home side also showed resilience, epitomised by defender Joachim Andersen, who played on after having a dislocated finger reset on the pitch following a challenge with Jesus.
Relegation Worries Loom for Forest at Christmas
The defeat means Nottingham Forest have now lost all four of their Premier League visits to Craven Cottage. More critically, they remain in 17th place, just one position above the relegation places. While they retain a five-point cushion over 18th-placed West Ham, the result ensures they will spend the Christmas period firmly in the relegation conversation.
For Fulham, the three points provide a welcome boost, moving them further from danger. The victory, secured on Monday 22 December 2025, was a gritty rather than glamorous affair, but one that could prove vital in their quest for mid-table security as the season reaches its halfway point.
