Sunderland’s surprise Champions League charge suffered a setback in the capital as Fulham struck late to secure a 1-0 Premier League victory at Craven Cottage.
The home side had won 91% of their Premier League points this season before today at Craven Cottage, and it showed in the first half, where Marco Silva’s men were at the Black Cats’ throats throughout.
Fulham had three times as many touches in the opposition box as Sunderland in the first 45 (21 to seven), but the hosts’ wasteful finishing prevented them from breaking the deadlock before the interval.
Sunderland sensed an opportunity as the away side grew into the game during the second half, but the Black Cats also failed to make the most of their promising moments, and they would be punished for it.
Jimenez bullied his way beyond his marker to draw first blood in the final 10 minutes, and the hosts survived five additional minutes to cling on for a warranted win.
Home is still where the heart is for Fulham, and the Cottagers got what they deserved in the end
FULHAM VS. SUNDERLAND HIGHLIGHTS
84th min: Fulham 1-0 Sunderland (Raul Jimenez)
A belated breakthrough!
Samuel Chukwueze whips a wonderful ball in behind the Sunderland defence, and Jimenez does what any good striker does – sticking his leg out and poking the ball into the goal past a wrong-footed Robin Roefs!
MAN OF THE MATCH – SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE
Where the likes of Harry Wilson and Kevin failed, Chukwueze delivered – literally delivering one of the assists of the season for Jimenez’s late strike.
The Nigerian’s cross for his Mexican compatriot was nothing short of sensational, and he also completed
both of his dribbles and won two fouls during a captivating cameo.
FULHAM VS. SUNDERLAND MATCH STATS
Possession: Fulham 57%-43% Sunderland
Shots: Fulham 24-4 Sunderland
Shots on target: Fulham 5-2 Sunderland
Corners: Fulham 7-4 Sunderland
Fouls: Fulham 5-13 Sunderland
WHAT NEXT?
The daunting fixtures come thick and fast for Fulham, who travel to Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday before hosting Manchester City in two Tuesdays’ time.
Meanwhile, Sunderland return home for a battle with Bournemouth in seven days’ time, and Le Bris’s men then hit the road to meet champions Liverpool on December 3.
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