Raúl Jiménez struck twice as Fulham F.C. halted their three-match losing streak in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland A.F.C. at the Stadium of Light.
A largely uneventful first half offered few clear-cut chances, though both sides were dealt injury setbacks. Sunderland lost Nordi Mukiele and Jocelin Ta Bi before the interval, while Fulham were forced into a late first-half change when Kevin limped off.
The contest sparked into action after the restart. Jiménez broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, rising cleverly to glance Alex Iwobi’s corner into the bottom corner.
The Mexican doubled Fulham’s lead seven minutes later, calmly converting from the penalty spot after a VAR review penalised Brian Brobbey for tugging Calvin Bassey’s shirt.
Sunderland gave themselves hope with 14 minutes remaining when Enzo Le Fée dispatched a spot-kick after Dan Ballard was fouled in the box. But any thoughts of a comeback were extinguished five minutes from time as Iwobi capped a swift counter-attack, finishing coolly into the far corner to restore Fulham’s two-goal cushion.
Earlier, Nilson Angulo had shown early intent for the hosts, while Fulham threatened through Ryan Sessegnon and Harry Wilson in a competitive but cagey opening period.
Sunderland substitute Romaine Mundle squandered a promising chance early in the second half, blazing over after being played through.
The win makes Marco Silva’s side only the second team to leave Sunderland with maximum points this season, while Régis Le Bris’ men slumped to a third successive league defeat.
