Willian's outstanding first-half goal helped Fulham snap their losing streak in the Premier League and handed Nottingham Forest their first defeat in the top flight since 2023.
A loose ball was picked up inside the penalty area by former Chelsea and Arsenal winger Willian, who then cut onto his left foot and curled a shot into the top corner.
Manor Solomon, a second-half substitute, ended Forest's chances of snatching a point two minutes from the end with a precise finish.
Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby de Cordova-Reid, and Andreas Pereira all came within inches of extending the hosts' lead as Forest, who had early injuries that cost centre-backs Willy Boly and Scott McKenna their jobs, trailed 1-0 at the break.
Soon after the break, Willian and Pereira were both denied goals by the goal frame, but as the second half went on, Forest got better, perhaps encouraged by Fulham's inability to extend their lead.
Before Solomon scored in the closing seconds, substitutes Jonjo Shelvey and Emmanuel Dennis nearly combined to get the visitors back on even ground. However, the latter's header was directed straight at Bernd Leno.
Steve Cooper's team drops one spot to 14th, while Fulham surpasses Brentford to take the seventh spot. Fulham is still six points above the relegation zone.
Prior to Solomon's opening shot, Willian scored a wonder goal.
Although Boly and McKenna's injuries forced them to be replaced in the seventh minute, Fulham still put on a performance in line with their outstanding season thus far.
With confidence and assurance in their play, Silva's team ended a streak of more than five hours without a Premier League goal when Willian scored his third goal of the year.
When last-ditch blocks denied Mitrovic and De Cordova-Reid, the opportunity appeared to have been lost. However, Willian calmly collected the loose ball and calmly lifted it over five Forest defenders into the top corner to break the tie.
Mitrovic nearly ended his own five-game goal drought after taking Willian's pass in stride and eluding two Forest challenges, but Keylor Navas stopped the striker's goal-bound shot.
Silva's team ended the first half in control as De Cordova-Reid hit the crossbar with a vicious right-footed strike and Pereira missed the far post with a shot.
Little changed in the style of play early in the second half as Willian's curling shot hit the post and Pereira's dipping free-kick hit the crossbar.
But as the visitors sought an equalizer, keeper Leno had to be alert to stop Dennis from close range.
If Fulham supporters were concerned that their team might come to regret their frivolity, Solomon calmed their fears in the 88th minute by converting Pereira's low cross for his first goal since joining on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk.
There will be more.
