West Ham snatch point with late equaliser against Fulham
The scars of last season’s 5-0 defeat on this ground were perhaps evident in the visitors’ tentative start to proceedings here.
With Lucas Paquetá consigned to the bench, Julen Lopetegui’s men struggled to break out of their own half as Fulham dominated.
Adama Traore was at the heart of things, first seeing a penalty appeal turned away after he was felled by Max Kilman before he squandered a huge chance, heading wide from Alex Iwobi’s teasing cross.
The Spaniard’s blushes were spared almost immediately though, as the Cottagers drew first blood in the 24th minute.
Jiménez – starting in the league for the first time this season – slotted home at the near post after being picked out by Emile Smith Rowe’s cutback to score for the sixth time in the PL against West Ham – more than he’s managed against any other side.
Unsurprisingly after an abject first half in which they failed to register a shot on target, Lopetegui opted for a double change at the break, introducing Paquetá and Crysencio Summerville in an effort to inject some life into his side.
That tweak included shifting Jarrod Bowen to play up front, and that almost paid dividends on the hour when the England international brilliantly controlled Mohammed Kudus’ cross and fired at goal, but Bernd Leno was out quickly to smother the effort.
West Ham initially struggled to build momentum on the back of that chance, but just when it looked as though time had run out for the visitors, they snatched a share of the spoils at the death.
Similarly to the hosts’ goal, Bowen charged for the byline and kept the ball alive with a pinpoint cutback to Ings, who rifled home his first goal since March.
Fulham had a huge chance to restore their win with Calvin Bassey heading wide with the last action of the contest, leaving the home fans frustrated at two points dropped in the capital.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Emile Smith Rowe (Fulham)
