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surprise package Sunderland Undone by Raul Jimenezas a late winner fulham easily freed from Premier League Drop zone with a hard-earned 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.
In a game of plenty of good intentions but few clear chances, the Black Cats – brilliantly marshalled by the midfield anchor Granite Zaka – felt like hanging out for a point in the monsoon of West London.
But six minutes from time, 34-year-old Mexican striker Jimenez headed in substitute Samuel Chuquez’s teasing cross to beat Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and score his third goal of the campaign.
in the week when the head coach marco silva Reportedly offered a new three-year contract, Fulham’s perseverance in testing conditions was just the tonic after a worrying start to the season.
strengthened by them The match ended in a 2-2 draw with leaders Arsenal. Leaving them fourth, the Black Cats were determined to extend their unbeaten streak to five games – but they were caught napping at the death.
Compact and committed, Sunderland’s five-man defense weathered the storm and Fulham dominated the first 45 minutes.
harry wilsonafter confidence high His hat-trick for Wales After defeating North Macedonia in World Cup qualifying, Sander raced on to Berge’s pass and completed the finish.
Two minutes later, Kevin’s skimming effort from the edge of the box was stopped by a diving Robin Roefs, who soon parried the Brazilian winger’s header from Berge’s cross and the Norwegian midfielder’s low effort into the bottom corner.
Ballard was booked for talking down Wilson, but Sunderland’s occasional visits to the Fulham area were rarely threatening.
When? bertrand traore boxed and extended bernd lenoHis finish lacked enough power to beat the home keeper, and the Sunderland bench were convinced that Kelvin Bassey had fouled Wilson Isidore’s escape with a foul – although referee Darren England did not agree.
At the other end, Black Cats keeper Rofes was relieved to escape when his heavy touch was almost gifted josh king An opening.
Ten seconds into the second period, Enzo Le Fee’s angled drive deflected wide of Leno’s left-hand post as Sunderland showed more ambition.
But they were living dangerously low when Wilson, the home team’s most likely source of joy, pulled home Fulham’s best chance from 18 yards after collecting Ryan Sessegnon’s pass midway through the second half.
Substitute Emile Smith Rowe’s fierce drive went wide as Fulham increased the pressure in search of a late winner.
And Reinaldo Mandava’s last-ditch effort to deny Wilson was typical of the Wearsiders’ determination to maintain the stalemate.
But as they looked to escape with a point, Jimenez fired deep to give Fulham their fourth win of the season – all on home soil.
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