Fulham vs Nottingham Forest Match Recap - Dec 22, 2025

Fulham's Late Penalty Secures Vital Win Over Nottingham Forest

Fulham's 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage marks a crucial turning point in their season, lifting them to 20 points and a step away from the relegation zone. The match showcased Raúl Jiménez's composure under pressure, converting a penalty in stoppage time to clinch the win. This result not only boosts Fulham's confidence but also highlights their resilience after a tumultuous stretch of form.

Fulham's recent performances have been a mixed bag, oscillating between moments of brilliance and frustrating defeats. Prior to this match, they suffered a disappointing exit from the League Cup against Newcastle, where they controlled possession but failed to convert chances. The victory against Burnley in their last league outing was a much-needed boost, with Emile Smith Rowe and Harry Wilson stepping up to deliver key goals. This match against Nottingham Forest was an opportunity for Fulham to build on that momentum, and they did just that.

Nottingham Forest entered this fixture with a contrasting narrative, having enjoyed a resurgence with a commanding 3-0 win over Tottenham in their previous match. Callum Hudson-Odoi was the standout performer, scoring twice and showcasing his attacking prowess. However, their inconsistency has been evident, as they also faced heavy defeats against Everton and Brighton in recent weeks. This match presented an opportunity for Forest to solidify their position above the relegation zone but ultimately fell short.

Statistically, Fulham dominated key areas of the game. They led in total shots (9 to 6) and shots on goal (1 to 0), reflecting their ability to create more scoring opportunities. Their expected goals (xG) of 1.20 compared to Nottingham's 0.32 underscores their offensive effectiveness despite limited chances. Fulham's ball possession was slightly higher at 53%, indicating their control over the game's tempo, although they struggled with pass accuracy at 79% compared to Nottingham's 82%.

Defensively, Fulham managed to keep a clean sheet, a significant achievement given their recent struggles at the back. The backline, anchored by Joachim Andersen and Jorge Cuenca, held firm against Nottingham's attacks, limiting their chances and maintaining composure under pressure. This defensive solidity will be crucial as they look to build on this victory in upcoming matches.

The match also highlighted Nottingham Forest's ongoing issues in converting possession into meaningful chances. Despite having moments of control, they failed to capitalize on opportunities, with Morgan Gibbs-White unable to influence the game as he had in previous outings. Their inability to find the net continues to be a concern, especially as they prepare for a challenging fixture against Manchester City next.

Fulham's victory not only provides them with three vital points but also serves as a confidence booster heading into their next match against West Ham. The performance of Jiménez will be particularly encouraging for Marco Silva, as he looks to rely on his striker's experience in crucial moments.

For Nottingham Forest, this defeat raises questions about their ability to maintain form and consistency. With only two wins in their last five league matches, Sean Dyche will need to reassess his tactics and find ways to reinvigorate his squad ahead of their next challenge.

This match encapsulated the ongoing battle for survival in the Premier League, with both teams vying for crucial points as the season progresses. Fulham's ability to grind out results will be essential as they aim to distance themselves from the relegation zone, while Nottingham Forest must find a way to regain their attacking edge if they hope to secure safety this season.