Raul Jimenez double fires Fulham past Sunderland

Raul Jimenez struck twice as Fulham ended a three-match Premier League losing streak with a composed 3-1 victory at Sunderland.

The Mexican striker proved decisive in a second-half burst that put Marco Silva’s side in control before Alex Iwobi sealed the points late on.

How the game unfolded

After a flat first half, Fulham broke the deadlock in the 54th minute:

• Jimenez peeled away from his marker to power home a header from Alex Iwobi’s corner.

• Just seven minutes later, Fulham were awarded a penalty after referee Craig Pawson reviewed an incident on the monitor and ruled that Brian Brobbey had pulled Calvin Bassey’s shirt.

• Jimenez calmly converted, sending Robin Roefs the wrong way for his 13th successful Premier League penalty from 13 attempts.

Sunderland gave themselves hope in the 76th minute when Dan Ballard won a penalty after being brought down by Ryan Sessegnon. Enzo Le Fee rifled his spot-kick into the top corner.

But Fulham wrapped up the result five minutes from time. Harry Wilson broke forward on the counter and slipped in Iwobi, who produced a delicate dink over Roefs to complete a first league double over Sunderland since 2002-03.

Fulham analysis: Experience tells

Raul Jimenez has scored 11 goals in 36 games for Fulham and Mexico this season

Jimenez’s brace underlined his importance:

• 11 goals for club and country this season

• 13 out of 13 penalties converted in the Premier League

• First goal since scoring against Manchester United in early February

The 34-year-old may have been fortunate to avoid a second yellow card in the first half, but once Fulham found rhythm, his sharpness in the box made the difference.

Harry Wilson’s assist for Iwobi continued his excellent run of form. Since November, only Erling Haaland (17) and Bruno Fernandes (15) have been involved in more Premier League goals than the Wales winger (12 – seven goals and five assists).

The win lifts Fulham to 10th and marks their first away league victory of the calendar year.

Sunderland analysis: Home form slipping

Sunderland’s impressive 12-match unbeaten home start to the season has faded, with consecutive defeats now at the Stadium of Light.

They had chances:

• Romaine Mundle missed a golden opportunity moments before Fulham’s opener.

• Nilson Angulo tested the goalkeeper at 2-0 down.

Injuries to Nordi Mukiele and Jocelin Ta Bi disrupted momentum, though the return of captain Granit Xhaka after four matches out offered encouragement.

However, four defeats in five league games leave Regis Le Bris with concerns as Sunderland slip to 12th.

What’s next?

• Sunderland travel to Bournemouth on 28 February.

• Fulham host Tottenham on 1 March in a London derby.

For Fulham, this was a timely response. For Sunderland, the early-season confidence at home is quickly becoming a distant memory.