Raul Jimenez scored two second-half penalties as Fulham twice came from behind to deny Ipswich Town a victory 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 brought Fulham level in the 69th minute after Harry Wilson was adjudged to have been fouled by Sam Morsy following a pitchside monitor check by referee Darren Bond.
Ipswich, who had led through Sammie Szmodics’ 38th-minute strike from inside the area, restored their lead almost immediately through Liam Delap’s kick for his seventh goal of the season, awarded for a challenge on Timothy Castagne’s attacker.
Fulham earned a point thanks to Jimenez’s impressive penalty a minute from the end of normal time, converting after Leif Davis brought it down to extend their unbeaten run to eight games, including four successive draws at home.
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 start 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 games] – score first and not be late in the last minutes. We have to continue to improve in 2025. I’m happy to score but, to win games, we have to continue [clean sheets].”
Sammie Szmodics gives Ipswich 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 a post for Ipswich.
The teams also exchanged chances quickly before the Mexico international struck for the first time, Emile Smith Rowe palming away a close-range header for the hosts before Bernd Leno dived to keep away Nathan’s fierce long-range effort 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 ‘proud’ of Ipswich
“When you lead twice you always feel a bit 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 go two goals ahead, but we couldn’t take them. We had to defend a lot and we managed the second half well.
A superb 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-placed Wolves on goal difference and a point behind Everton, although both teams have one more match than them to play. .
Fulham host Championship club Watford in the FA Cup third round on Thursday (19:45 GMT). Ipswich host third-tier Bristol Rovers in the competition on Sunday (3 p.m.).
