Fulham were seeking a much needed win as they welcomed Newcastle to Craven Cottage. Fulham have not beaten Newcastle since 2017 and while the first half offered hope that today could be the day, Bruno Guimaraes’ formidable strike denied Marco Silva’s squad any points on the board.
The opening 45 minutes was undoubtedly Fulham’s to lose as they kept control of the game with Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi the standout stars but their efforts were not to be rewarded with the first 45 minutes of play ending 0-0. Anthony Gordon was the Magpies biggest threat, with Bassey and Tosin able to keep Alexander Isak out of action for the majority of play but Bernd Leno was called into action on few occasions.
The Cottagers enjoyed over 70% of the first-half possession but, despite ten efforts towards the net, it was still all to play for in the second-half.
Newcastle came out ready to take back possession and after 71 minutes, believed themselves to be 1-0 up following the fall-out from an Anthony Gordon corner. However, Fabian Schar’s tap in was eventually ruled out after a VAR check found Dan Burn had fouled Bassey. After a brief return of voice from the Cottagers, the home fans were once again silenced after a loose ball was found by Bruno Guimaraes who powered it into the back of the net from outside the box, sending the away fans into complete ecstasy.
The Craven Cottage side caved quickly with the fans’ unhappiness growing at the frantic and ill-thought-out play evident. An exceptional first half show from the home-side becomes quickly forgotten with Marco Silva’s side falling to yet another disappointing defeat and missed opportunities the order of the day.
Here are LondonWorld’s player ratings following Fulham’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle...
1. GK: Bernd Leno
5/10: Was unlucky to end without a clean sheet. Leno had been enjoying strong display between the sticks but could not stop the Guimaraes strike.
2. LB: Antonee Robinson
7/10: Arguably Fulham’s best performer in the first-half. Worked the left-win exceptionally well and often provided Dubravka threats of his own. Enjoyed a strong start to the second half but unable to keep the ball away from Leno's net.
3. CB: Tosin
6/10: Did well to keep Alexander Isak out of action for most of the game but must lose a point for being unable to clear a lose ball, resulting in Guimaraes' goal.
4. CB: Calvin Bassey
6/10: A vibrant figure at the back who offered plenty of switch play going forward while neatly dispelling any Isak concerns. Offered little in the second-half and was unlucky to end the game without a clean sheet.