Goals from Jimenez earn the hosts a point… but the striker describes the result as ‘really bad’
Raul Jimenez scored two second-half penalties as Fulham twice came from behind to deny Ipswich Town a win that would have taken them out of the Premier League relegation zone at Craven Cottage – but the striker said the result was “two points lost” .
Jimenez initially equalized for Fulham in the 69th minute after a pitchside check by referee Darren Bond determined that Harry Wilson had been fouled by Sam Morsy.
Ipswich, who had taken the lead in the 38th minute through a Sammie Szmodics strike from inside the box, almost immediately restored the lead with Liam Delap scoring his seventh goal of the season, awarded by Timothy Castagne for a foul on the striker.
Fulham secured a point with an impressively cool penalty from Jimenez a minute from the end of normal time, which he converted after Leif Davis brought him down, extending their unbeaten run to eight games, including four consecutive home draws.
What a second half it was! 😨
Raúl Jiménez scores AGAIN from the penalty spot for Fulham ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/kLf0RN8sfR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Jimenez: Fulham must continue to improve
“We have to look forward and move on,” Jimenez said, telling Sky Sports that the result was “really bad” despite scoring his ninth goal of the season.
“We have to start from the beginning (of games) – score first and not fall behind in the last few minutes. We must continue to improve in 2025. I’m happy when I score, but to win games we have to keep (a clean sheet).”
Sammie Szmodics fires Ipswich into the lead 🚜 pic.twitter.com/QhKJxou0ii
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Things almost got worse for Fulham 25 seconds before Jimenez’s second goal when Jack Clarke’s shot hit the Ipswich post.
The teams also quickly exchanged their chances before the Mexican international struck for the first time. Emile Smith Rowe missed a close-range header for the hosts before Bernd Leno parried a sharp long-range effort from Nathan Broadhead at the other end.
Raúl Jiménez scores from the penalty spot for Fulham! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/58bBGeIdB1
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
McKenna is “proud” of Ipswich
“When you lead twice you’re always a little disappointed not to win,” admitted Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna.
“I’m so proud of the way we played. We had a few chances to get a two-goal lead, but couldn’t capitalize on them. We had to defend a lot and handled the second half well.”
A stunning penalty from Liam Delap puts Ipswich back in the lead! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/F66sKlT5j3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Ninth-placed Fulham are two points behind Aston Villa and two ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion, while Ipswich are behind fourth-bottom Wolves and one point behind Everton on goal difference, although both teams still have a game in hand.
Fulham face Championship side Watford at home in the third round of the FA Cup on Thursday (7.45pm GMT). Ipswich host third-tier Bristol Rovers in the competition on Sunday (3pm).
