Raul Jimenez’s late header secures Fulham win as West Ham slide deeper into relegation trouble

Raul Jimenez struck in the dying moments to give Fulham a 1-0 victory over West Ham, marking the Cottagers’ third consecutive Premier League win and extending the Hammers’ winless streak to seven games, Sport360NG reports.

In a match offering few clear-cut opportunities, it was Jimenez who made the decisive impact. The Mexican striker nodded in Harry Wilson’s precise cross after West Ham defender Ollie Scarles failed to clear, netting his fourth league goal of the season.

West Ham, sitting 18th in the table, were left to rue missed chances. Jarrod Bowen had a shot saved by Bernd Leno and narrowly missed another from close range, while substitute Callum Wilson twice failed to convert opportunities. Scarles’ late error proved costly, as Fulham capitalised in the final stages.

The defeat leaves West Ham five points adrift of safety, with critical upcoming fixtures against Brighton at home and a trip to bottom-placed Wolves. The team has struggled under Nuno Espirito Santo, collecting just 10 points from his 13 games in charge, fewer than all but Burnley and Wolves.

Off the pitch, fan unrest continues to plague the Hammers. Supporters staged protests during the match, holding up red cards in reference to the 15-year tenure of chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady, while chanting “sack the board.” Frustration over transfer market activity and lack of creativity on the field remains high. Bowen, the club’s top scorer with five goals, must lift his game in the second half of the season if West Ham are to secure their Premier League status.

For Fulham, the victory extends an impressive run, with six wins in nine games lifting Marco Silva’s side to 10th in the table and easing their own relegation worries. Jimenez had tested West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola earlier with a long-range effort, while Wilson forced a superb save from the Frenchman. Fulham were mostly restricted to distance efforts in the second half, but they defended resolutely to maintain the lead.

Silva, pleased with the late breakthrough, acknowledged that while a draw may have reflected the balance of play, the three points were well-earned and a continuation of Fulham’s excellent form this season.