Jiménez Penalty Makes History as Fulham Edge Forest
Raúl Jiménez marked a significant personal milestone as his first half penalty secured a 1–0 win for Fulham over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on Monday night, sealing all three points and writing his name into Premier League history.
The Mexican forward kept his nerve from the spot to convert with his trademark stop start run up, a goal that proved decisive in a tight contest and lifted Fulham to within six points of the top four heading into the festive period.
Beyond the result, the moment carried extra weight. Jiménez’s successful kick took him to a perfect 11 from 11 penalties in the Premier League, drawing him level with Yaya Touré for the best 100 percent conversion record in the competition’s history.
The goal also represented another step forward in Jiménez’s revival. After a long and difficult period following the serious head injury he suffered at Wolves in 2020, the striker has begun to rediscover confidence in a Fulham shirt. He has now scored twice in his last four home league matches, with both goals delivering victories.
Craven Cottage provided a lively backdrop, with Fulham asserting control early through confident possession and patient buildup. Andreas Pereira and João Palhinha dictated the tempo in midfield, while Antonee Robinson pushed high on the left to stretch Forest’s defensive shape.
The key incident arrived in the first half when Fulham were awarded a penalty after sustained pressure inside the box. Jiménez stepped forward, waited for the goalkeeper to commit, and rolled the ball calmly into the net, a moment of composure that underlined his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable penalty takers.
Nottingham Forest responded with greater urgency, forcing Fulham to defend deeper spells before the break. Bernd Leno was alert when called upon, dealing confidently with crosses and cutting out danger before Forest could find a clear opening.
The second half saw Forest push numbers forward, increasing the tempo and testing Fulham’s defensive organisation. Marco Silva adjusted his side’s shape to protect the lead, asking his wide players to track back and closing central spaces as chances became scarce.
Late pressure from the visitors raised the tension around the ground, but Fulham remained disciplined, clearing their lines and managing the closing stages with maturity despite missing several key players through injury.
The final whistle confirmed a valuable win and another important chapter in Jiménez’s comeback story. For Fulham, the result reinforces their strong home form and keeps them firmly in the conversation as the season approaches Christmas, with belief growing but realism still guiding their ambitions.