Raúl Jiménez scored two second-half penalties as Fulham twice came from behind to deny Ipswich Town a victory that would have lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone at Craven Cottage, but the striker said the result was “two points lost ”.
Jimenez initially tied Fulham in the 69th minute after Sam Morsy fouled Harry Wilson following a pitch monitor review by referee Darren Bond.
Ipswich, who had taken the lead with a Sammie Szmodics goal in the 38th minute from inside the area, regained their lead almost immediately thanks to a Liam Delap penalty for their seventh goal of the season, awarded after a challenge by Timothy Castagne in the forward.
Fulham secured a point thanks to a stunning Jimenez penalty with a minute left in normal time, converting after being brought down by Leif Davis to extend their unbeaten run to eight games, including four consecutive home draws.
What a second part this has been! 😨
Raúl Jiménez scores AGAIN from a penalty for Fulham ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/kLf0RN8sfR
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Jiménez: Fulham “need to continue improving”
“We need to look forward and try again,” Jimenez said, telling Sky Sports the result was “really bad” despite scoring his ninth goal of the campaign.
“We have to start doing it from the beginning (of the games): score first and not fall behind in the last minutes. We need to continue improving in 2025. I am happy to score but, to win games, we must keep (a clean sheet).”
Sammie Szmodics drives Ipswich ahead 🚜 pic.twitter.com/QhKJxou0ii
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
Things almost got worse for Fulham 25 seconds before Jiménez’s second goal, when Jack Clarke’s shot hit an Ipswich post.
The teams also exchanged chances in quick succession before the Mexico international scored for the first time, Emile Smith Rowe parrying a close-range header for the hosts before Bernd Leno dived to keep away Nathan Broadhead’s fierce long-range shot in the other end.
Raúl Jiménez scores from a penalty for Fulham! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/58bBGeIdB1
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 5, 2025
McKenna ‘proud’ of Ipswich
“When you lead twice, you always feel a little disappointed that you don’t win,” admitted Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna.
“I’m very proud of the way we played. We had some opportunities to get a two-goal margin but we couldn’t take advantage of them. We had to defend a lot and we managed the second half well.”
Impressive penalty from Liam Delap puts Ipswich back in front! 🔥 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 on goal difference and one point behind Everton, although both teams They have one more game to play than them. .
Fulham host Championship club Watford in the FA Cup third round on Thursday (19.45 GMT). Ipswich host third division side Bristol Rovers in the competition on Sunday (3pm).
