Rodrigo Muniz struck the winner as Fulham came from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in Saturday's Premier League contest at St James' Park.
Jacob Murphy made the breakthrough in the 37th minute of the contest, with the attacker converting after excellent work from Anthony Gordon, but Raul Jimenez levelled the scores just past the hour mark at St James' Park, finding the back of the net after Antonee Robinson had fed a cross back into the penalty box.
The contest looked to be heading for a draw, but Fulham had other ideas, with Muniz turning a cross from Andreas Pereira into the back of the net late on to secure an impressive three points for the visitors.
The result has moved Fulham into ninth spot in the Premier League table, boasting 36 points from their opening 24 matches of the campaign, while Newcastle stay fifth, one point ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea and level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
At 1-0 Newcastle, there only looked like one winner, with Eddie Howe's side staring at an 11th win in their last 12 matches, but Fulham did brilliantly to fight back and ultimately claim all three points in the latter stages.
The result was a big setback for Newcastle considering their recent form, but they still look every inch a side capable of finishing in the top four, with 41 points to show from their 24 Premier League games this term.
The Magpies will be bidding to put this result behind them as soon as possible, but it was a huge victory for Fulham, who were well below-par in their contest with Manchester United last weekend.
Silva's side are also having an excellent campaign, and they now sit just four points off the top six, with a European spot this term not beyond them, and this will go down as one of their most impressive results of the season considering how the match developed.
NEWCASTLE VS. FULHAM HIGHLIGHTS
37th min: Newcastle 1-0 Fulham (Jacob Murphy)
Newcastle make the breakthrough in the 37th minute of the contest, as Murphy fires into the back of the net after a wonderful run from Gordon, who had driven down the left before delivering into the penalty box.
61st min: Newcastle 1-1 Fulham (Raul Jimenez)
Fulham level the scores in the 61st minute of the contest at St James' Park, with Jimenez finding the back of the net off a cross from Robinson; Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was wrong-footed there.
82nd min: Newcastle 1-2 Fulham (Rodrigo Muniz)
Fulham take the lead in the 82nd minute of the contest, as Muniz converts at the near post after Pereira had delivered a wonderful free kick into a dangerous area - Newcastle have been stunned on home soil here.
MAN OF THE MATCH - RAUL JIMENEZ
© Imago
Jimenez was the best player on the pitch at St James' Park, levelling the scores in the 61st minute, but it was his overall contribution that earns him the man-of-the-match award on Saturday afternoon.
The Mexican had six shots in total, while he completed four successful dribbles and won two aerial duels, with the experienced striker causing Newcastle's back four all sorts of problems during a standout performance.
NEWCASTLE VS. FULHAM MATCH STATS
Possession: Newcastle 47%-53% Fulham
Shots: Newcastle 11-15 Fulham
Shots on target: Newcastle 4-4 Fulham
Corners: Newcastle 3-7 Fulham
Fouls: Newcastle 10-15 Fulham
BEST STAT
Only two players have provided 10+ assists for Fulham in a single Premier League campaign:
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 1, 2025
◎ Steed Malbranque (2003/04)
◉ Antonee Robinson (2024/25) 🆕
He's the first defender to reach double figures this season. 🔟 pic.twitter.com/x9lO4pO5T3
WHAT NEXT?
Newcastle's attention will now switch to the EFL Cup, preparing to host Arsenal for the second leg of their semi-final, with the Magpies holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg; Howe's side will then take on Birmingham City in the fourth round of the FA Cup three days later before returning to league action away to Manchester City on February 15.
Fulham, meanwhile, will tackle Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup on February 8, with their Premier League campaign then resuming at home to high-flying Nottingham Forest on February 15.
Matt Law
