Fulham vs West Ham Report
Scorers: Jimenez 24’; Ings 90+5’
Danny Ings came off the bench to score a 95th-minute equaliser as West Ham United salvaged a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage, preventing a third consecutive H2H defeat for the first time since 1966.
Fulham Dominate Early Stages
The visitors entered the match with the memories of last season’s 5-0 defeat at Craven Cottage still fresh, leading to a cautious start.
Without Lucas Paquetá in the starting lineup, Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham struggled to gain a foothold as Fulham dominated possession early on.
Adama Traore was particularly lively for the hosts, being involved in a couple of significant moments. He had a penalty appeal waved away after a challenge by Max Kilman and then missed a golden opportunity, heading wide from Alex Iwobi’s inviting cross.
Fulham Strike First Through Jiménez
Fulham’s pressure finally paid off in the 24th minute. Raúl Jiménez, making his first league start of the season, found the back of the net with a neat finish at the near post following Emile Smith Rowe’s precise cutback.
This was Jiménez’s sixth Premier League goal against West Ham, more than he has scored against any other side.
West Ham’s Struggles and Second-Half Changes
An uninspired first half saw West Ham fail to register a single shot on target. Seeking a spark, Lopetegui made a double substitution at halftime, introducing Lucas Paquetá and Crysencio Summerville.
The tactical tweak, which included pushing Jarrod Bowen further up the pitch, nearly paid off on the hour mark.
Bowen controlled a cross from Mohammed Kudus brilliantly and fired a shot at goal, only to be denied by Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who was quick off his line to smother the attempt.
Danny Ings Strikes Late to Salvage a Point
As the clock ticked down, it seemed Fulham would hold on for the win. However, West Ham showed resilience and managed to snatch a point in dramatic fashion.
In the 95th minute, Bowen charged down the byline and delivered a pinpoint cutback to substitute Danny Ings, who smashed the ball home to score his first goal since March.
This last-gasp equaliser not only secured a valuable point for West Ham but also prevented them from suffering three consecutive defeats against Fulham for the first time since 1966.
Fulham’s Late Miss and Frustration
Fulham had a chance to reclaim the lead in the dying moments of the match when Calvin Bassey headed wide from a corner, much to the frustration of the home fans.
The draw leaves Fulham reflecting on two points dropped in what was an otherwise commanding performance for much of the game.
Conclusion
Danny Ings’ late heroics ensured West Ham avoided back-to-back defeats, while Fulham will rue their missed opportunities and inability to close out the match.
This result highlights West Ham’s fighting spirit under Julen Lopetegui and leaves Fulham pondering what might have been after a strong performance at Craven Cottage.
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