Fulham boss believes ending lengthy barren streak will help Jimenez earn Whites points in the future

The pressure on Raul Jimenez’ shoulders will “not be so heavy” according to Marco Silva, after he scored his first goal in a Fulham shirt.

The Mexican striker notched his first Premier League strike since January 2022 at in the 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa this afternoon.

Having earlier hit the post at Villa Park, Jimenez tapped in from an Antonee Robinson pass to find the net for the first time in 33 games, and Silva believes it will benefit him going forward.

“For sure it is going to be not so heavy the next time he is on the pitch,” said Silva when asked if the goal would alleviate tension for the striker.

“He’s had a tough time not scoring in the Premier League. Unfortunately for us, the goal didn’t help us get points.

“If he keeps working like he is doing, trying to do his best, then he is going to score and deliver points for us.”

Jimenez’s goal was only the second time Fulham have found the net in the last four matches, and the Whites remain the joint-second lowest scores in the top flight.

Silva made it clear that it is his responsibility to instil some confidence in his players with winnable home matches against Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Burnley coming up.

“It’s our job to do it,” he said. “To make them [the players] understand what we want and make them believe.

“As always, I am responsible for what happens at this football club and it is my job to give confidence to the players.”