The statistics show that up to match round 28 last season, four penalties had been awarded for holding at set pieces compared to seven at the same stage this season. If you include the number of penalties given for holding offences in open play (when a cross comes into the box), there has been a total increase from nine penalties by this stage last season to 12 penalties so far this campaign.
Fulham may have had to wait nearly a year for a Premier League penalty, but its conversion should never have been in doubt. Raul Jimenez calmly slotted home the Cottagers' first penalty since the 2-2 draw with Ipswich in January 2025 to earn Fulham a 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest and move to within two spot-kicks of breaking a Premier League record.