Fulham have found a timely way out of trouble, making it two Premier League wins in succession with a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Coventry City.
Oscar Bobb settled a tight, low-key contest with 10 minutes remaining, producing the one moment of genuine quality to move Álvaro Arbeloa’s side up to 12th place. It is a sharp change in mood at Craven Cottage after a league campaign in which Fulham had failed to win before the previous round.
Neither side offered much fluency in a match carrying obvious importance near the lower end of the table. Coventry had one of the few early sights of goal when King struck the crossbar with a fine effort, but chances were scarce thereafter.
Fulham began with Gonzalo as their only starter from the Spanish contingent, while César Palacios and Manuel Ángel were among the substitutes.
Bobb supplies the decisive touch
The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute. Former Manchester City forward Bobb took responsibility in a crowded area, shifting past his marker with a series of feints before placing a composed finish into the far corner beyond Rushworth.
It was enough for Fulham, who have now beaten two promoted sides in consecutive fixtures. They saw off Hull City 1-0 in their previous league outing before travelling to Coventry and collecting another narrow win.
Six points, two clean sheets and a place clear of the drop give Arbeloa some welcome breathing room. There has not been much glamour in either result, but at this stage of the season Fulham will not be inclined to complain about the method.
