Fulham 0-1 Newcastle: Huge win for Toon as Bruno delivers after VAR drama
Newcastle showed character after a bad start and plenty of nous to earn a massive three points at Fulham in our push for a European finish.
Fabian Schar thought he had opened the scoring for the Toon after 75 minutes but it was ruled out controversially. However, on his 100th appearance for the club, Bruno Guimaraes made sure his strike counted with the winner in the 81st minute.
Newcastle have now won seven points from a possible nine in the last week as they shaped up to face the ‘mini-season’ of the league run-in. It is also our first Premier League clean sheet away from home since that 8-0 win at Sheffield United way back in September. A precious win that sends us one point behind sixth-place Manchester United, who take on Liverpool tomorrow at Old Trafford.
Eddie Howe made two changes to the side that were held by Everton in midweek, with Willock and Gordon replacing Anderson and Barnes in the line-up.
In truth, the first half was typical of our performances away from home this season. We lacked tempo, precision and bite, giving the ball away more times than not. Fulham managed to see 71% of the ball in the first half.
We were lucky to go into the break still level, after a couple of timid strikes from Fulham were equalled by Dubravka and also lost Willock to a foot injury before half-time, compiling the injury misery for Howe. It looked like he was feeling that Achilles problem that is clearly still bothering the midfielder.
The start of the second half was much of the same in terms of the pace of the game. But Eddie Howe’s Mags began to get slightly more on the front foot and the introduction of Barnes after the hour mark injected some dynamism, with Anderson also offering some aggression and urgency.
Schar’s strike after 75 minutes looked to have put the Toon ahead, but for some reason, the goal was ruled out for Burn's 'foul' on Bassey, even though the ball had already beaten the defender in the air.
Nine minutes from full time, there was no ruling out Bruno’s thumping strike after the ball fell to him after some nice work from Anderson. The Brazilian smashed it home and looked emotional as he cupped his ears and kissed the badge in celebration. A message to those speculating about his future at the club maybe?
Despite the win, Newcastle remain eighth as West Ham also won. But we are now one point behind the Hammers and Manchester United, with a game in hand over the London club.
Next up, Spurs in the early kick off at St James' Park next Saturday. What a huge three points. HOWAY THE LADS.
