Fulham manager Martin Jol has said that his team deserved their 2-1 victory over Newcastle United this evening.

Goals from Steve Sidwell and Hugo Rodallega helped the Cottagers end a run of eight Premier League matches without a win, while also seeing them pull three points clear of the Magpies.

Jol reserved special praise for Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, whom he believes has filled the hole left by Clint Dempsey.

"Before the goal we had chances and then we scored," said Jol. "I think it was at least half an hour before they scored. We couldn't finish them off and they scored a goal from Hatem Ben Arfa. He's a quality player.

"But we've had three or four opportunities. Berbatov had three of them. Even at 2-1, they could have scored and we had chances. We deserved to win.

"[Berbatov] didn't score but he kept the team together in the hole and I was very happy with him. My squad realise that Berbatov is a key player. He is the one that keeps us together. He probably covered more ground than ever before. He's a good number 10. After losing Clint Dempsey, I'm very happy that he came to this club."

Fulham are currently 13th in the table.