Reckless penalty gift consigns Forest to defeat at stubborn Fulham | OneFootball

Fulham returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage, a result that eased their relegation concerns while slowing the visitors’ recent progress.

Raul Jimenez’s first-half penalty proved decisive in a contest that was short on quality but high on tension, with both sides struggling to impose themselves in the final third.

Marco Silva’s side approached the match knowing points were essential after recent setbacks and limited squad options, and they responded with a disciplined display built more on organisation than fluency.

The opening stages were scrappy and disjointed, with neither team able to establish sustained control or create clear-cut chances.

Forest showed early promise through Igor Jesus, who twice went close inside the opening ten minutes, but their momentum quickly faded.

Fulham looked uncomfortable when pressed high, a reflection of a stretched squad and several key absences, yet they gradually began to settle.

Kevin provided their main attacking outlet, repeatedly driving forward from the left and testing Forest’s defensive structure.

The game’s defining moment arrived deep into first-half stoppage time when Douglas Luiz made a rash challenge inside the penalty area.

The Forest midfielder caught Kevin with a loose tackle and left the referee with little choice but to point to the spot.

Jimenez stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Fulham a precious lead at the break.

The goal lifted the home crowd and gave Fulham a platform to protect after half-time, even if their grip on possession loosened.

Forest emerged with greater intent in the second half and enjoyed more of the ball, but their attacking play lacked invention.

Efforts from range became their default option, with Bernd Leno rarely troubled despite the visitors’ territorial advantage.

Fulham were forced deeper as the half wore on, relying on their centre-backs to repel a series of hopeful deliveries.

Silva responded by introducing Tom Cairney, whose composure in midfield helped slow the tempo and restore some balance.

Cairney nearly doubled the lead with a well-struck effort that drew a sharp save from the Forest goalkeeper.

Forest attempted to change the flow with multiple substitutions, but their approach remained blunt and predictable.

The clearest chances late on fell to Fulham, with Jimenez twice going close to sealing the result from close range.

Forest pushed forward in the closing minutes but lacked the clarity needed to find an equaliser.

The final whistle confirmed a vital win for Fulham, lifting them further clear of the bottom three.

The defeat represented a missed opportunity for Forest to strengthen their position and underlined ongoing issues in attack.

Jimenez’s penalty ultimately separated the sides on a night where efficiency mattered more than style.