It wasn't supposed to end like this. With rain lashing down on Craven Cottage and the clock ticking past 83 minutes, Sunderland — a team that had defied all logic to sit sixth in the Premier League — were seconds away from earning a point against a side hovering just above the drop zone. Then came the cross. Low, sharp, perfect. And Raul Jimenez, sliding like a predator in the mud, tucked it home. The final whistle blew 1-0 to Fulham. The stadium erupted. Sunderland’s players stood frozen. And the table? It shifted forever.
A Season of Surprises Collides
On paper, this shouldn’t have been close. Sunderland, newly promoted after a 17-year absence from England’s top flight, had won five of their first 11 matches. They were the story of the 2025/26 season — disciplined, resilient, and surprisingly lethal. Their 19 points placed them just four behind Arsenal, within touching distance of Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Fulham had won just two of their last seven games. They were 14th, one point above the relegation zone, and their home form — once a fortress — had started to crumble.
But here’s the twist: Fulham had never lost at home this season. Not once. And on a sodden Saturday night, they found a way to win when it mattered most.
The Goal That Changed Everything
The goal came in the 84th minute. Substitute Samuel Chukwueze, who’d come on in the 67th minute, cut inside from the left flank, ignored two tackles, and whipped a low, driven cross toward the near post. No one was marking it. Not really. Not until Raul Jimenez — a man who’d been quiet all night — slid in like a man possessed. The ball kissed the turf, bounced once, and nestled into the net. The crowd roared. The Sunderland defense, which had held firm for 83 minutes, collapsed into disbelief.
"The pressure pays off," said the YouTube highlights commentator at 3:27. "That could be a huge goal in Fulham’s season. Well, it owed much to the quality of the ball in from Jaz, but also to the predatory instincts of Real."
Chukwueze — "Jaz" to the fans — had been electric in his 23 minutes on the pitch. Jimenez, once a feared striker at Wolves and now back to his best, hadn’t scored in 11 Premier League appearances. This was his first goal since August. And it came at the most critical moment.
Aftermath: Relief and Rage
At full time, the tension didn’t fade — it exploded. Kenny Tete, Fulham’s right-back, celebrated wildly before turning to the Sunderland backroom staff. A heated exchange followed. No cards were shown, but the emotion was raw. "It’s probably a reflection of how far Sunderland have come this season," said William Bitibiri, Sky Sports’ reporter on the ground. "To feel aggrieved after a defeat that denied them the chance to move within four points of Arsenal? That says everything."
For Fulham, the win was more than three points. It was momentum. It was belief. It was a signal that they might just avoid the drop after all. They moved to 14th, one point clear of 17th-placed Leeds United. The club now waits to see if results from Newcastle vs Manchester CitySt James’ Park — kicking off at 17:30 UTC — will push them further clear or leave them clinging on.
For Sunderland, it was their third loss in 12 games — still an astonishing record for a promoted side. But the sting was deeper than the table position. They were five minutes from a point that would have kept them in the top six, within striking distance of the European spots. Now, they sit at 19 points, with the chasing pack closing in.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
This result didn’t just change positions — it changed perceptions. Sunderland are no longer just the feel-good story of the season. They’re now a target. Teams will come to Stadium of Light looking to break them. Their defense, once impenetrable, has now conceded in the final 10 minutes of two of their last three away games.
For Fulham, the win rekindles hope. Manager Marco Silva has quietly rebuilt a squad that looks more cohesive than at any point since their 2022 relegation. Chukwueze’s pace, Jimenez’s clinical instinct, and the midfield engine of Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi are finally clicking. Their next five fixtures — including home games against Everton and West Ham — could define their season.
Lineups That Made History
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, Andersen, Ughelumba, Sessegnon; Berge, Iwobi; Wilson, Chukwueze (67'), King; Jimenez. Subs: Patterson, O'Shea, Talbi, Brobbey, Mayenda, Gooch, Alderete, Adingra, Onana.
Sunderland (4-3-3): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard (32'), Geertruida; Mandava, Traoré, Xhaka; Sadiki, Le Fée, Isidor. Subs: Patterson, O'Shea, Talbi, Brobbey, Mayenda, Gooch, Alderete, Adingra, Onana.
Notably, Granit Xhaka — the Swiss veteran and captain — played every minute. His leadership, even in defeat, was a quiet reminder of why Sunderland have been so hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Raul Jimenez’s goal impact Fulham’s relegation chances?
Jimenez’s 84th-minute winner lifted Fulham to 14th place with 14 points, pulling them one point clear of the relegation zone. Before this match, they’d won just two of their last seven games and were under serious pressure. This win — their first at home since August — gave them breathing room and momentum. With Newcastle and Man City playing later that day, Fulham now have a clearer path to safety if they can replicate this performance in their next five fixtures.
Why was Sunderland’s performance so remarkable this season?
Sunderland, promoted after a 17-year absence, won five of their first 11 Premier League matches — an incredible feat for a newly promoted side. Their defensive structure, led by captain Granit Xhaka and full-backs Trai Hume and Nordi Mukiele, conceded only six goals in their first 11 games. They even held top-four teams to draws. Their 19 points placed them sixth, ahead of clubs like Tottenham and Liverpool at one point. Few expected them to be serious contenders, let alone European hopefuls.
What does this result mean for Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva?
This win was a turning point for Marco Silva. After months of criticism for inconsistent tactics and poor away form, he finally got a result that reflected his team’s potential. The midfield trio of Berge, Iwobi, and Wilson looked cohesive, and Jimenez’s goal proved his attacking changes were working. With three home games in their next five matches, Silva now has a real chance to build a run that could keep Fulham in the Premier League for another season.
How did the weather affect the match?
Heavy rain turned Craven Cottage’s pitch into a muddy mess, slowing the game and favoring physical, direct play. Sunderland’s high press struggled to maintain shape, while Fulham’s low block and quick transitions proved more effective. Chukwueze’s low cross was crucial because it avoided the slick surface — a high ball would’ve been easily cleared. The conditions made the goal even more impressive: precision under pressure, in terrible weather.
Is Sunderland still in contention for European qualification?
Technically, yes — but it’s now far more difficult. With 19 points, they’re six behind fourth-placed Arsenal and seven behind third-placed Chelsea. Their next five fixtures include away games against Manchester United and Liverpool. Their defense, once their strength, has now shown cracks in the final 10 minutes of key matches. European qualification is still possible, but the margin for error has vanished.
What’s next for Fulham and Sunderland?
Fulham face Everton at home next, then West Ham — both winnable games. A three-game unbeaten run could see them climb into the top 10. Sunderland, meanwhile, host Leeds United and travel to Manchester United in their next two matches. Their next five games include four away fixtures — a brutal test for a team that’s struggled on the road since October.
Write a comment