Black Cats succumb to late pressure as Jimenez strike ends their unbeaten run

SUNDERLAND’S fine run in their return to the Premier League was delivered a set back by Raul Jimenez’s late winner, as Fulham eased clear of the drop zone with a hard-earned 1-0 win at Craven Cottage.

- By PA SPORT STAFF

In a game of plentiful good intentions but few clear-cut chances, the Black Cats ~ superbly marshalled by midfield anchor Granit Xhaka ~ looked like hanging on for a point in a West London monsoon.

But six minutes from time, 34-year-old Mexican striker Jimenez beat Sunderland defender Dan Ballard to substitute Samuel Chukwueze's teasing cross to prod home his third goal of the campaign.

In the week when head coach Marco Silva was reportedly offered a new three-year contract, Fulham's perseverance in testing conditions was just the tonic after a worrying start to the season. Fortified by their tenacious 2-2 draw with leaders Arsenal which left them fourth, the Black Cats were determined to extend their unbeaten run to five games - but they were caught napping at the death.