Raul Jimenez scored twice to help Fulham end a three-match Premier League losing run with victory at Sunderland.
He was the key difference on Saturday kickstarting what had been a drab game with a fine header into the corner and a cool penalty kick.
Jimenez's double took his tally to 11 for club and county in 36 appearances this season.
And it was first goal since he scored against Manchester United in a 3-2 defeat on 1 February.
But he may have been fortunate to have still been on the pitch though, having been booked in the first half for catching Ballard with a flailing arm and almost getting a second yellow card for the same offence on Omar Alderete a few minutes later.
Manager Marco Silva wisely replaced him for Rodrigo Muniz shortly after his second.
Elsewhere, Harry Wilson continued his fine individual form by assisting Iwobi's late goal.
Since the start of November, only Erling Haaland (17) and Bruno Fernandes (15) have been involved in more Premier League goals than the fantasy football star (seven goals and five assists).