Raul Jimenez bagged a brace as Fulham brought their Premier League losing run to an end with a 3-1 triumph over Sunderland.
After a lacklustre first half at the Stadium of Light, the contest burst into life after the break, with all four goals arriving in an action-packed second period.
Jimenez put Fulham ahead in the 54th minute, rising to head in from Alex Iwobi’s corner. Just seven minutes later, he doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Brian Brobbey was penalised for pulling Calvin Bassey’s shirt.
Enzo Le Fee reduced the deficit with a spot-kick to set up a tense finale, but Harry Wilson drove forward before picking out Iwobi, who crowned an excellent display with a composed finish.
The victory lifts Fulham into the top half of the table, while Sunderland — who welcomed Granit Xhaka back from injury — have now slipped to three successive league defeats.
Data Debrief: Iwobi Pulling the Strings
Operating in a deeper midfield role, Iwobi once again dictated proceedings for Fulham. The Nigeria international created a match-high three chances in addition to getting on the scoresheet.
His goal came via Wilson’s assist. Since the start of November, only Erling Haaland (17) and Bruno Fernandes (15) have contributed to more Premier League goals than the Wales international, who has been involved in 12 (seven goals and five assists).
Statistically, the game was finely balanced. Fulham recorded 1.87 expected goals to Sunderland’s 1.82, with both teams managing 12 attempts, underlining how Fulham’s sharper finishing proved decisive.