Fulham manager Marco Silva said his side exploited Nottingham Forest's weaknesses in their 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage on Saturday. 

Calvin Bassey and Emile Smith Rowe were on the scoresheet for the Cottagers as they did the double over Nuno Espirito Santo's side, having also beaten them 1-0 at City Ground last September. 

Chris Wood scored his 18th goal of the season in the first half to draw Forest level, but it wasn't enough for the visitors, who only registered two shots on target in the 90 minutes. 

Fulham now sit eighth in the standings, having notched 39 points from their 25 games in the Premier League so far this season. 

Indeed, when converting to three points per win from their all-time record, only in 1959-60 (40) have the Cottagers had more at this stage of a top-flight campaign. 

"We got what we deserved today. The right performance from us and a great three points. Very well played and well deserved," Silva told Sky Sports. 

"We were the best team from the first minute to the last. We showed great control against them.

"We knew where they were strong, and their weakness as well, which we exploited really well and created from outside. We were strong in moments of the game. 

"We should have scored more goals. We had more than 20 shots, and the Forest goalkeeper [Matz Sels] made some great saves.

"The most important thing is the three points. We were balanced in everything we did."

Fulham had 10 shots on target from their 24 attempts, generating an expected goals (xG) of 2.24, compared to Forest's 0.4 xG. 

Silva was also full of praise for Adama Traore, who played in the cross from which Smith Rowe opened the scoring in the 15th minute. 

"He is more balanced on and off the ball, which is something we've been working with him on. I am pleased for him," Silva said. 

"He's a great lad and everyone loves him at this football club. We want to support him and give him that confidence."

Meanwhile, Forest boss Nuno conceded that his side need to be stronger in order to fulfil their aspirations of finishing in the top four at the end of the season. 

Forest have now lost two of their last three Premier League games (W1), more defeats than in their previous 10 matches in the competition (W8 D1 L1). 

And following Manchester City's victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, Pep Guardiola's side are now breathing down the necks of the division's surprise package this term. 

"It was a competitive game. We tried to the end, but it was not possible [to equalise]. They played well and won the game so we have to learn," Nuno told BBC Sport. 

"Wood made his goal by himself, and that gave us hope for the second half. I think we started the second half well but a couple of set-pieces put us down. 

"Then it was about reacting and the boys tried hard until the end. Now we have to go to the next one. Of course, this is the time of the season when we have to go stronger."