In a tense London derby at the London Stadium on December 27, 2025, Fulham edged West Ham United 1–0 to claim three valuable Premier League points. Raúl Jiménez struck the winner in the 85th minute, finishing a move created by Harry Wilson. The result keeps Fulham firmly in mid-table, while West Ham’s situation in the relegation zone becomes increasingly precarious.
First Half Analysis
The match commenced with both teams exhibiting a cautious approach, characterized by a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening stages. West Ham, deploying a 4-3-2-1 formation under Nuno Espirito Santo, sought to control midfield but found it difficult to penetrate Fulham's organized 4-2-3-1 setup managed by Marco Silva.
The match began in a cautious rhythm, with both sides prioritizing structure over risk. West Ham struggled to turn possession spells into clear chances, while Fulham looked the more purposeful team in transition and in the final third. The interval arrived goalless, but the pattern suggested Fulham were gradually gaining control of territory and shot volume as West Ham tried to stay compact.
The half ended goalless, but the statistics indicated Fulham's growing dominance, leaving West Ham needing a significant turnaround in the second half to avoid another disappointing result.
Second Half Narrative
After the break, West Ham attempted to change the dynamic, withdrawing Crysencio Summerville on 56 minutes and introducing Callum Wilson to provide a more direct presence up front. Fulham responded later by replacing Kevin with Josh King in the 69th minute, freshening their attacking options for the final phase.
As pressure increased in the closing stages, Fulham’s persistence was rewarded in the 85th minute: Harry Wilson delivered the decisive ball into the danger area and Raúl Jiménez applied the finish to make it 1–0. West Ham pushed forward late on, but Fulham managed the closing minutes effectively to protect their advantage.
In the closing moments, West Ham's frustrations boiled over, with a flurry of substitutions failing to change the course of the match. Fulham managed to close out the game, limiting West Ham to just 2 shots on goal in the second half, while they themselves continued to threaten with 5 shots on target.
Statistical Deep Dive
The numbers underline Fulham’s control over the contest. They had 55.7% possession, attempted 17 shots to West Ham’s 11, and recorded five shots on target compared to West Ham’s two. Expected goals also favored Fulham (1.62 to 0.91), reflecting the higher quality of their opportunities.
In possession, Fulham were cleaner and more secure: 508 attempted passes with 439 completed (86.4%), while West Ham completed 330 of 404 (81.7%). West Ham did win the corner count 5–4, but failed to turn set plays into decisive chances.
Individual Performances
Raul Jimenez was undoubtedly the standout performer, not only for his decisive goal but also for his overall contribution, constantly troubling West Ham's defenders. Harry Wilson's assist was crucial, showcasing his ability to create opportunities under pressure.
For West Ham, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made 4 saves, preventing the scoreline from being more severe, but the outfield players struggled to make an impact. The yellow card for Jean-Clair Todibo in the first half was a reflection of the mounting pressure, and his performance was indicative of West Ham's overall difficulties on the night.
Match Significance & Conclusion
The win moves Fulham into 10th place on 26 points after 18 matches, reinforcing their mid-table footing. West Ham remain 18th on 13 points, stuck in the relegation places and under growing pressure to find results quickly.
As the season progresses, Fulham will look to build on this momentum, while West Ham must regroup quickly to find a way out of their current predicament. The London derby showcased the fine margins in football, and for Fulham, it was a night to celebrate; for West Ham, a harsh reminder of their current struggles.
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