A Raul Jimenez penalty just before halftime was all hosts Fulham needed to knock off Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Monday at Craven Cottage.
The Mexican’s 62nd Premier League goal came after Douglas Luiz clipped Kevin in the box, a touchy call that required a lengthy VAR review before Jimenez headed to the spot.
WATCH — Fulham v Nottingham Forest full match replay
The win sends Fulham 13th on 23 points, the lowest of three teams on that point haul, while Forest stay 18th heading to Christmas. The Tricky Trees are five points clear of the bottom three.
Fulham’s left side shines
This wasn’t a banner day for electric Premier League football, but it had enough in it to send a message to Fulham boss Marco Silva. That’s because USMNT left back Antonee Robinson was fit for another start and was sharp from the opening whistle, reinstating his status as one of the very best players at his position in the Premier League season. Robinson had more room to operate as Silva handed record signing Kevin just his fifth Premier League start and the 22-year-old Brazilian did more than flash brilliance. The penalty award aside — and Forest did not love the call so we will leave it there — Kevin posted three shots, completed 22-of-26 passes, completed 3-of-5 dribbles and blocked three shots in showing a willingness to fight at the back. His range of passing was excellent, too. Kevin has a couple more weeks to give Silva more of a headache, because Samu Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi remain away at AFCON and there are only so many minutes in the attacking positions with Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe, and Adama Traore also making their cases for minutes. In any event, Kevin’s done enough to justify a possible playing time loan for exciting teenager Joshua King, who has flashed brilliance early this season but has lagged this month.
What’s next?
Forest will host Man City at 7:30am ET Saturday, then welcome Everton to the City Ground on Tuesday, December 30.
Fulham go to West Ham at 10am Saturday, their last match of 2025.
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest final score: 1-0
Raul Jimenez pen 45+5'
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest live updates — by Nick Mendola
Forest make their move
Subs wise, we mean.
Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Igor Jesus up top, while Nicolas Dominguez takes the place of Douglas Luiz in the 74th minute.
Raul Jimenez penalty goal — Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
Pretty darn good penalty from the Mexican.
Fulham penalty
Douglas Luiz challenges Kevin in the box and gets just a bit of the ball but Kevin keeps going and takes advantage of Luiz’s limbs to win a penalty.
A long VAR review changes nothing.
Will wide areas determine this game?
Antonee Robinson has already served up a dangerous cross, albeit from an offside position, and the Cottagers and Tricky Trees both look quite ready to attack down the flanks.
0-0, 8'.
Fulham lineup
Leno, Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson, Berge, Lukic, Smith Rowe, Wilson, Kevin, Jimenez
Nottingham Forest lineup
John, Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Savona, Luiz, Anderson, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest preview — by Joe Prince-Wright
Marco Silva’s side 3-2 won at Burnley last weekend in a thriller and they have become the great entertainers in the league, with plenty of goals in recent games. Harry Wilson is in fine form in attack but Fulham are now focused on improving defensively.
Forest battered Spurs 3-0 last weekend to continue their resurgence. Sean Dyche’s side have won four of their last six games and are just two points behind Fulham heading into this game.
Fulham team news, focus
Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are away at AFCON, while Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon are out and Saka Lukic is a doubt.
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
Ryan Yates, Chris Wood and Ola Aina are injured, while Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are away at AFCON. Taiwo Awoniyi and Matz Sels are doubts, while Nicolas Dominguez is back.
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest prediction
This feels like it’s going to be a really tight game, with both teams really good on the counter. It will end even. Fulham 2-2 Nottingham Forest.
How to watch Fulham vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3pm ET Monday (December 22)
Venue: Craven Cottage — West London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com
