Raul Jimenez scored a stoppage-time leveller as Fulham drew 2-2 with Ipswich Town in Sunday afternoon's Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.
Against the run of play, Ipswich made the breakthrough in the closing stages of the first period, with Sammie Szmodics firing into the back of the net from close range after a scramble inside the Fulham box.
Fulham defender Antonee Robinson headed against his own crossbar when attempting to deal with a cross from Nathan Broadhead, and it fell for Szmodics, who managed to find the back of the net to give the visitors the lead.
The home side were awarded a penalty, following intervention from VAR, in the 66th minute, with Harry Wilson fouled inside the box by Sam Morsy, and Jimenez stepped up to level the scores at Craven Cottage.
Incredibly, Ipswich had a penalty of their own shortly after, with Liam Delap fouled by Timothy Castagne inside the box; Delap was tasked with making it 2-1 to the visitors, and he fired his effort into the back of the net.
The third penalty of the match was awarded in the final minute, with Leif Davis fouling Jimenez, and the Mexican stepped up to make it 2-2, with the points ultimately being shared in the capital.
Ipswich remain inside the relegation zone, sitting 18th in the Premier League table, while Fulham stay ninth, now on 30 points from their opening 20 matches of the 2024-25 campaign.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Fulham brought a seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League into this match, with that set of results including draws against Arsenal and Liverpool, and a victory away to Chelsea, but that looked to be ending at Craven Cottage.
When Jimenez levelled the scores from the penalty spot, it appeared that there would only be one winner, but Ipswich had a penalty of their own within two minutes of the equaliser, and Delap scored to give Ipswich the advantage again.
Ipswich deserve huge credit for almost navigating their way to just their fourth Premier League success of the campaign, which would have been enough to move them into 16th spot in the table, but a tired challenge from Davis in the final stages allowed Jimenez to make it 2-2.
Delap is now on eight league goals for the campaign, and if he can continue his strong run, then there is every chance that Ipswich will secure another season of Premier League football, but it was another striker that ultimately had the final say at the end of a chaotic affair.
HIGHLIGHTS
Sammie Szmodics goal vs. Fulham (38th min, Fulham 0-1 Ipswich)
Ipswich make the breakthrough in the latter stages of the first period at Craven Cottage, as Szmodics fires into the back of the net from inside the box after Fulham fail to clear their lines.
Robinson heads against his own crossbar when attempting to deal with a brilliant cross from Broadhead, and it falls for the Ipswich forward, who hammers home, with Calvin Bassey unable to get enough on his block.
Raul Jimenez goal vs. Fulham (69th min, Fulham 1-1 Ipswich)
Fulham level the scores in the 69th minute of the contest, as Jimenez sends his penalty into the back of the net.
Intervention from VAR led to the spot kick being awarded, with Morsy fouling Wilson - the referee said no originally but changed his mind after being sent across to the monitor.
Liam Delap goal vs. Fulham (71st min, Fulham 1-2 Ipswich)
Ipswich have a penalty as Delap is fouled inside the box by Castagne, and the striker steps up to fire his effort into the back of the net, with Ipswich back ahead at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
Raul Jimenez goal vs. Fulham (91st min, Fulham 2-2 Ipswich)
Fulham have another penalty, as Jimenez is fouled by Davis inside the penalty box, and the Mexican steps up to score his second spot kick of the match, with the home side surely securing a share of the spoils.
MAN OF THE MATCH - RAUL JIMENEZ
Jimenez dealt with two high-pressure moments so well on Sunday afternoon, including in stoppage time, when he stepped up to the penalty spot for the second time in the match.
The experienced striker was so impressive throughout the course of the match, with Ipswich struggling to deal with him, and alongside his two goals, the 33-year-old won seven aerial duels during a dominant performance in the capital.
FULHAM VS. IPSWICH MATCH STATS
Possession: Fulham 73%-27% Ipswich
Shots: Fulham 15-7 Ipswich
Shots on target: Fulham 4-3 Ipswich
Corners: Fulham 9-2 Ipswich
Fouls: Fulham 10-14 Ipswich
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Both of these sides will now switch their attention to the third round of the FA Cup, with Fulham welcoming Watford in the competition on January 9, while Ipswich will tackle Bristol Rovers on January 12.
Fulham's Premier League campaign will then continue against West Ham United on January 14, while Ipswich will be back at home on January 16 against Brighton & Hove Albion.
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