Newcastle players proved a point at Fulham - Danny Murphy

Newcastle United showed signs of a response at Fulham on Saturday, with Danny Murphy believing our players sent a clear message that they remain behind Matthias Jaissle.

After back-to-back defeats against Everton, questions were being asked about the manager and the performances on the pitch. However, our 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage offered some encouragement, with Murphy impressed by the attitude, fight and commitment shown by the players.

Murphy believes squad is still behind Jaissle

Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy was asked whether he felt our performance represented an improvement after such a difficult couple of weeks.

He was clear that he saw enough to suggest the players are still fighting for their manager, even if the overall display and result was far from perfect. 

“It was really. A group of players playing for their manager against a good Fulham side in a good run of form and they showed enough to tell me they’re behind him.

“They went after Fulham at times, they created some great chances and they’ll probably feel, although Fulham had chances as well, they’ll probably feel they could have won. They always play attacking football under Jaissle and yes, it leaves them a bit open at times.”

Murphy also highlighted the improved mentality shown by our players, particularly after last Monday's weak and lifeless showing against Everton.

“The mindset and the mentality of the team was good, they were fighting. It was a good game, two decent sides and I think really good signs they can react after a really poor couple of performances.”

A positive response, but Newcastle need to build on it

There were certainly signs of improvement from us at Fulham. We looked more competitive, showed greater intensity and created opportunities to take all three points, with Jacob Murphy’s late opener putting us in a position to win the game.

However, conceding just three minutes later was another frustrating moment, and we ultimately had to settle for a point.

Murphy’s comments will offer some encouragement. After the two Everton defeats, harmony in the dressing room was a big question hanging over Jaissle the squad. 

The challenge now is to make sure Fulham was the start of a genuine response rather than a one-off improvement. There were positives to take, but we still need to turn those performances into wins and show greater consistency in the weeks ahead.