It may end up as the least memorable match at Craven Cottage all season, but its importance cannot be overlooked.
Fulham ensured a struggling Nottingham Forest just below them in the table were further distanced, thanks to a penalty from Raul Jimenez in first-half injury time.
It was a game bereft of quality and excitement but for Whites boss Marco Silva, it was ideal. It felt vital, going into the festive programme, that they gained more breathing space so they can start looking up the table rather than down.
“It’s a massive three points for us…a massive win,” said the Fulham boss. “The last away win from ourselves against Burnley is going to have a bigger impact when you are back home and you have to get three points again.
“We spoke about it before the game – the importance to be back in winning ways at home after the two games against [Man] City and Palace that we deserved more and didn’t get.
“Of course I have to say it wasn’t our best performance in terms of quality on the ball. First half we had some good moments but I don’t remember in the whole of the game, one chance for Nottingham Forest. They had the possession but they didn’t create and we managed well the game.”
Silva continued: “Tom Cairney gave us the calmness on the ball and the other players that came on gave us the energy we needed to press on the opposition a bit more. It was a professional performance from the team and we kept a clean sheet which was very important.
“It was massive with five key players out. It’s not just the three players in the African cup, it’s also Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz. But the team responded very very well against a side with a lot of quality who are playing in Europe and spent a lot of money.
“We don’t look up or down the table, we always want to look at the next game as the most important one. There are going to be three points at West Ham for us to fight for and try to get a third win in a row.”
The Portuguese had words of praise for his match winner, who does not always grab the limelight but is having to shoulder extra workload in the absence of the injured Muniz.
“Raul is a great penalty taker,” Silva said. “Not just in a Fulham shirt. He’s been showing that when he was playing in Portugal. The calmness and quality and braveness to [wait] until the last moment [to shoot]. He’s very reliable.
“He needed a goal. The reality in terms of confidence is he’s not at his best, but in the last four games at home he scored twice and they gave us two wins. In terms of work ethic and commitment, he’s always giving his maximum for the shirt. He’s 34 years old playing 90 minutes week in, week out and deserves these type of moments.”
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