Raul Jimenez penalty earns Fulham scrappy 1-0 EPL home win over Nottingham Forest
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Fulham's Raul Jimenez (left) celebrating with Kevin after scoring the only goal of the match in their 1-0 English Premier League success over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on Dec 22.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Striker Raul Jimenez said he relishes the “pressure of taking penalties”, after he continued his perfect record from the spot as Fulham beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in a dull English Premier League clash at Craven Cottage on Dec 22, to move 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
Fulham climbed to 13th place on 23 points from 17 matches, while Forest stayed 17th with 18 points, five clear of the drop zone.
It was a match of few chances and lacking in quality, with more yellow cards shown (nine) than shots on target (three), but the decisive moment came in first-half added time.
Brazilian Douglas Luiz caught compatriot Kevin in the box with a naive lunge and Jimenez made no mistake with his penalty, as he continued his 100 per cent record in the Premier League with an 11th successful spot kick.
“We knew it would be a tough game, but we did some good things on the pitch. We are very happy with these three points,” the 34-year-old Mexican told Sky Sports.
“I like to have the pressure of taking penalties. I have never missed and I am really happy with that. It comes from working hard and a lot of training.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva will be contented with the win that has put his team close to the top half of the table, but there was little to enthuse about the performance.
“We are very happy and pleased for the three points. They are massive for us,” the Portuguese said.
“We spoke before the match about how it’s going to be important for us to win again at home, and to have back-to-back league victories.”
Forest manager Sean Dyche watched his side limp through 90 minutes and create very little in attack.
They had won six of their last eight matches in all competitions, with last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur
The Englishman said: “That killer instinct was not there tonight. It’s a reminder if you’re not at it, the game will go against you.
“We got into good moments, but never really threatened. We have to do the basics better.”
Earlier in the first half, Jimenez flashed a header wide and Forest’s Igor Jesus blasted over the crossbar from an excellent shooting opportunity at the other end.
Kevin should have got a shot away after breaking clear midway through the second half but a poor touch meant the opportunity was squandered. REUTERS, AFP
