Late Jimenez Header Deepens West Ham Woes in Narrow Fulham Defeat
So, this was one of those London derby nights that ended up feeling painfully familiar for West Ham fans. West Ham United hosted Fulham at the London Stadium, knowing this was a game they had circled as a must-win, especially with the club hovering in the relegation zone. But once again, the chances came and went, and the punishment arrived late.
For long spells, the match felt tight and cagey. Clear-cut opportunities were limited, and both sides seemed to cancel each other out through the middle of the pitch. West Ham actually had the better moments when it came to genuine chances. Jarrod Bowen was heavily involved, as expected, and his movement caused Fulham problems throughout. One effort was saved well by Bernd Leno, while another flick from close range drifted just wide when it looked easier to score. Substitute Callum Wilson also had two decent looks at goal, but neither found the target, and that lack of cutting edge would come back to haunt the hosts.
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Fulham, on the other hand, were patient. They kept the ball well, controlled possession for large parts, and looked comfortable waiting for the right moment. Raul Jimenez had already shown his threat earlier, testing Alphonse Areola and firing over when half chances appeared. Still, as the clock ticked into the final minutes, a goalless draw felt like the most likely outcome.
Then came the decisive moment in the 85th minute. A defensive mix-up proved costly, as Ollie Scarles failed to make a clean clearance. The ball broke kindly for Harry Wilson, whose cross was delivered perfectly into the danger area. Jimenez rose highest and headed home, scoring his fourth league goal of the season and his second winner in as many games. It was a moment of clinical efficiency, and Fulham had taken full advantage of West Ham’s mistake.
The final whistle told two very different stories. Fulham celebrated a third straight Premier League win and moved comfortably into the top half of the table. West Ham, meanwhile, were left staring at a seventh winless match in a row. The Hammers now sit 18th, five points from safety, and frustration inside the stadium was impossible to ignore, with protests again aimed at the club’s ownership.
After the game, manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted his side had been punished for one error, insisting the performance deserved more. But in the Premier League, missed chances are rarely forgiven. With Brighton and Wolves coming up quickly, West Ham know that time is running out, and reaction is no longer optional.
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