Raul Jimenez scores late as Fulham beat West Ham 1-0 at London Stadium, extending the Hammers winless run and boosting the Cottagers push into the top half.
Raul Jimenez scored a late winner as Fulham edged West Ham 1-0 at the London Stadium on Saturday night. The Mexico striker struck in the 85th minute to seal a third straight Premier League win. Fulham move into the top half of the table after another controlled display. West Ham remain 18th and five points from safety after another damaging defeat.
The match looked set to finish goalless after a cagey first half. Clear chances were limited and both sides struggled for fluency. Fulham showed more composure in possession but rarely threatened the box. West Ham relied on moments rather than sustained pressure.
West Ham improved after the break and created the better openings. Jarrod Bowen was central to most attacks and tested Bernd Leno early in the second half. He then dragged a close-range effort wide after a cutback from Soungoutou Magassa. That miss proved costly as pressure failed to turn into goals.
Substitute Callum Wilson also had two good chances. One effort flashed narrowly wide and another flew over after Bowen released him. Those moments summed up a side low on confidence. West Ham have now gone seven league matches without a win.
Fulham punished West Ham with five minutes remaining. Ollie Scarles misjudged a clearance under pressure and failed to make contact. Harry Wilson reacted first and lifted a cross into the box. Jimenez rose unmarked and headed past Alphonse Areola from close range.
Scarles was left distraught at full time after an otherwise solid performance. West Ham pushed forward in the closing minutes but lacked clarity. Fulham stayed compact and saw the game out with authority. It was Jimenez second winner in as many matches.
Fulham finished with 15 shots to West Ham 11. The visitors posted an expected goals figure of 1.62 compared to 0.91 for the hosts. Possession was evenly split but Fulham were more efficient in key areas. Jimenez now has four league goals this season and seven against West Ham in total.
West Ham suffered their 11th home league defeat of the calendar year. That matches the club record set in 1967. They have also lost six straight London derbies this season. Only Burnley and Wolves have collected fewer points since Nuno Espirito Santo took charge.
Jimenez was decisive when it mattered most. Harry Wilson impressed again with his energy and delivery from wide areas. Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson were solid at the back. Bernd Leno made key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
For West Ham, Bowen was involved but lacked his usual sharpness. Areola kept the score level until the late goal. The hosts frustration grew as chances slipped away. Protests from supporters added to a tense atmosphere throughout.
West Ham remain at the London Stadium on Tuesday night when they host Brighton. They then travel to bottom placed Wolves next Saturday. Both fixtures carry huge weight in the relegation fight.
Fulham face Crystal Palace away on Thursday at in another London derby. They then host Liverpool on Sunday January 4th. Marco Silva side will look to maintain momentum during a demanding festive run.
