Key stats
- Raúl Jiménez attempted 6 shots in this game, the highest total for a Fulham player in the Premier League this season
- Sunderland attempted 4 shots in this game, their lowest total in a single match in the Premier League this season
- Sunderland have failed to win in their last 3 games in the Premier League; their last joint-longest winless streak was from 13th May 2017 to 21st May 2017
Highlights
Match report
Sunderland’s fantastic return to the PL had included five unbeaten games against London sides (W3, D2), including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal before the international break.
The Black Cats were hoping to extend that record in the capital at Craven Cottage, and the visitors quickly asserted themselves on proceedings.
First, Wilson Isidor came close to getting on the end of a Bertrand Traoré cross, before the Burkina Faso international almost nicked the opener himself after capitalising on a mistake in the Fulham defence, but Bernd Leno did well to close down the angle and make a save.
It took a little while for Marco Silva’s men to grow into the contest, but they eventually came close with two chances of their own.
Fresh from scoring a hat-trick for Wales earlier in the week, Harry Wilson cut inside onto his left foot before curling a shot narrowly wide of the post.
Kevin then came even closer to breaking the deadlock following a counter-attack, but instead of utilising his teammates in a three-on-three situation, the Brazilian decided to go alone, and his shot from 20 yards out was comfortably saved by Robin Roefs.
Régis Le Bris’ side emerged quickly after the break and came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock within 15 seconds of the restart.
Enzo Le Fée cut inside from the right before sending a powerful effort on goal, but his effort sailed inches wide, and that chance set the tone for the early stages of the second half as Fulham struggled to deal with their visitors.
Silva made a double change in an attempt to shake things up in the final third, but the introduction of Emile Smith Rowe and Samuel Chukwueze initially did little to inspire the Cottagers’ attack.
Eventually, though, Chukwueze had a big impact, as the Nigerian international produced excellent wing play down the left flank, delivering an exquisite cross into the box for Raúl Jiménez to poke home past Roefs.
That goal brought relief around the stadium and proved to be decisive, meaning that Fulham have won six of their last seven home games, easing the pressure on Silva.
Sunderland, meanwhile, drop out of the top four with all of their three PL defeats this season coming on the road.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Raúl Jiménez (Fulham)
