MARCO SILVA became the first Premier League boss this season to do the double over high-flying Forest.
A second-half winner from defender Calvin Bassey also maintained Fulham’s unlikely hoodoo over their Champions League-chasing visitors.
ReutersCalvin Bassey scored Fulham’s winner against Nottingham Forest[/caption]
ReutersThe Cottagers were all smiles as they recorded an important win[/caption]
They have now won five of six games against Forest since both teams were promoted back to the top flight three years ago.
A Raul Jimenez penalty separated the sides at the City Ground last September and the return in West London was similarly tight.
Emile Smith Rowe put Fulham ahead only for Chris Wood to equalise with his 18th Premier League goal of the season.
But just after the hour mark, Bassey produced a classy back post header from a corner to swing it Fulham’s way in the latest edition of this football mini-series.
The victory lifted boss Silva’s side into the top ten while landing a psychological blow if nothing else on in-form Forest.
They remain third and well beyond expectations compared to last season.
In December 2023, Forest were thumped 5-0 at Craven Cottage when Fulham were on top from start to finish.
Alex Iwobi and Jimenez helped themselves to two goals apiece with Tom Cairney grabbing the other.
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That crushing defeat was too much for Forest’s fiery owner Evangelos Marinakis, who stormed out of Craven Cottage early to head home.
His VIP lanyard was later discovered in the Privet bush of a nearby house.
Forest is a much-changed team since then.
Four players from the starting line up that night have left the club altogether.
Eight new names appeared on the first XI team sheet compared to that infamous evening.
Boss Steve Cooper clung on to his job briefly afterwards but was then axed in favour of Nuno Espirito Santo who has worked wonders
A huge part of that upturn is striker Chris Wood. A bully of a centre forward who displayed his uncompromising qualities with the way he pulled his team back into the game after they went behind.
With Fulham defenders Bassey and Antonee Robinson in close attention inside the box, strapping Wood shrugged them both off before turning to face the goal.
He got a touch of good fortune when his left foot shot ricocheted off Bassey’s shoulder, but for sheer brute force it was a classic and takes him above Newcastle’s £100million-rated striker Alexander Isak in the scoring charts.
The equaliser was in contrast to Fulham’s crafted goal in the 15th minute, taken in mid-air by Smith Rowe.
The midfielder timed his leap and flight to perfection to meet a piercing cross from Adama Traore to head past Matz Sels.
They won it and took the wind out of Forest’s sails following their recent 7-0 thrashing of Brighton when Bassey popped up at the far post to nod home a corner flicked on by Raul Jimenez on 62 minutes.
The defeat won’t be enough to deflate Forest even though this is a second successive loss on the road.
Presumably, owner Marinakis stuck around in the VIP box for the full-time whistle and post-match coffee this time.
Fulham took the opportunity to reintroduce Brazilian Willian for his THIRD debut for the club having signed him in the January transfer window as cover after losing winger Harry Wilson to injury.
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GettyEmile Smith Rowe headed Fulham in front after 15 minutes[/caption]
ReutersChris Wood grabbed a leveller for Forest[/caption]
ReutersBassey restored the hosts’ lead with another header[/caption]
GettyBassey was mobbed by his team-mates[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
