Fulham continued their impressive recent record against Nottingham Forest with a narrow 1–0 victory at Craven Cottage, securing a sixth win from seven Premier League meetings and ending a run of consecutive home league defeats.

Eager to respond after a midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Newcastle, Fulham began brightly but were nearly punished for a slow opening. Forest carved out a gilt-edged chance inside the first 10 minutes when Igor Jesus blazed over from close range.

The Brazilian forward was soon gifted another opportunity after a loose pass across the box from Antonee Robinson fell kindly into his path, yet Fulham were spared as Jorge Cuenca produced a crucial last-ditch block.

Any hopes of a festive classic were short-lived, with the contest settling into a scrappy, low-tempo affair in west London. Fulham’s clearest opening of the half arrived shortly before the interval, when Raúl Jiménez met Robinson’s cross but could only steer his effort into the side netting.

The game’s decisive moment arrived on the stroke of half-time. Douglas Luiz caught Kevin on the back of the boot with a rash challenge inside the area, allowing Jiménez the chance to make amends from the penalty spot. The Mexican striker duly obliged, sending John Victor the wrong way to score his 11th successful Premier League penalty from 11 attempts—matching the competition’s all-time perfect record.

Forest emerged with greater urgency after the break, clearly responding to a stern half-time team talk, but despite their improved energy, clear chances remained elusive. Even a triple substitution failed to shift the momentum as Fulham comfortably managed the second half.

The hosts should have wrapped up the points late on when Kenny Tete surged down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross onto Jiménez’s head, only for the striker to glance wide from six yards.

A late push from Forest, including the stoppage-time introduction of Arnaud Kalimuendo, proved ineffective, and even six minutes of added time failed to alter the outcome.

The win lifts Marco Silva’s side to the fringes of the top half of the table, with European qualification now a realistic ambition for a Fulham team that was recently looking over its shoulder at the relegation battle.