Fulham are battling. Marco Silva’s options are limited and he does not have many ways to freshen up his side, but at least he can count on an experienced core and a group willing to scrap when they are at risk of being dragged towards the relegation zone.
It is putting it kindly to say this game will not live long in the memory. It was scrappy, stop-start and overly physical. Both teams were disappointing in the final third and it probably would have finished goalless but for Douglas Luiz’s rush of blood to the head gifting Raul Jiménez to score the goal that lifted Fulham 10 points above the bottom three before their trip to West Ham on Saturday.
Fulham fought to claim a vital win. They remained disciplined during a tense second half and their organisation exposed Nottingham Forest’s utter lack of imagination. Sean Dyche, who will no doubt grumble about the award for Jiménez’s penalty, saw little from his side. Forest barely had a chance of note and will rue missing an opportunity to increase their five-point lead over West Ham in 18th place.
There was little to separate the sides during the opening exchanges. Fulham looked to make a fast start, Kevin racing down the left and firing in a dangerous cross, but Forest responded. Strong in midfield, with Elliot Anderson always showing for the ball, the visitors soon threatened. There was an early chance for Igor Jesus, who flicked over from close range after neat work from Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams, and another sight of goal for the Brazilian after a mistake from Antonee Robinson almost led to Forest going ahead in the 10th minute.
