West Ham 0-1 Fulham
by Paul Donovan 
at the London Stadium

WEST HAM lived to regret missed chances as Fulham struck late to take all three points in this derby game at the London Stadium.

Yet for much of this game the home side seemed most likely to score.

An early effort from Harry Wilson was turned over by home keeper Alphonse Areola.

Then, Jean-Clair Todibo put Jarrod Bowen clear but he shot over.

Ollie Scarles put Bowen through but his shot was turned away by Fulham keeper Bernd Leno. Bowen, though, was adjudged off side.

A cross back from Crysencio Summerville was headed wide by Scarles.

Then a nicely flighted Freddie Potts free kick was headed back by Max Kilman but Summerville’s shot was deflected wide.

Early in the second half Sasa Lukic headed wide for the visitors.

West Ham then had a succession of missed chances. First, Bowen put the ball wide from a Soungoutou Magassa cross back.

Callum Wilson broke free but fired wide. Bowen then got away to set Wilson up again but he shot wide.

Then, with six minutes left, Fulham snatched the points. Harry Wilson crossed, Kilman partially cleared but Scarles missed his kick in trying to complete the task. Wilson then crossed again for Raul Jimenez to head home.

West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was disappointed, feeling his team had the momentum and created very good chances. But then failed to convert them.

Espirito Santo confirmed that he would be seeking to rebalance the squad when the transfer window opens in January.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva was pleased at the ambition shown by his team to win the game.

So, another bad day for West Ham, with the gap widening with the clubs above them in the relegation battle.