Alexander Isak struck late as Newcastle United claimed a vital win over a spirited Fulham side at St James’ Park on Sunday.
During what was largely a hugely frustrating game, Aleksandr Mitrovic saw a penalty ruled out after slipping and kicking the ball twice and Newcastle were guilty of squandering chances once more.
Still, Isak would nod in from close range to seal a vital three points.
The win takes Eddie Howe’s side back up to third, just a point off Manchester City in second and caps off a brilliant week after progression to the Carabao Cup semi-finals was secured.
Here’s how the Newcastle United players rated with stats via WhoScored…
Nick Pope – 7
Didn’t have a huge amount to do but commanding as ever. Kept a dangerous corner from causing problems in the second-half.
Kieran Trippier – 7
Far from a vintage performance, despite leading the team for key passes (4) as ever. Even before giving away the penalty, the England international was guilty of some fairly lax passing.
Fabian Schar – 8
Rarely troubled defensively and was unlucky to hit the post with a rasping free-kick.
Sven Botman – 8
Largely dealt with Mitrovic well, albeit there were some slightly nervy moments in the second-half. Still, the Dutchman hardly looked truly fazed.
Dan Burn – 7
Very lucky not to have given away a penalty when turned inside and out by Andreas Pereira but hardly put a foot wrong otherwise.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
A brilliant ball for Longstaff once again underlined the Brazilian’s quality but an ankle injury rendered him much more ineffective. The sight of Guimaraes coming off in tears at half-time is a major worry.
Joe Willock – 7
Another energetic display from midfield, if one lacking the kind of quality we’ve seen from Willock of late. By no means a bad performance by any means.
Sean Longstaff – 8
Dynamic in midfield as ever but missed a couple of half chances. While Issa Diop did well to block his shot, they are the kind of chances the team need to take during increasingly tight games.
Still, a brilliant ball in the build-up to the winner after a tireless display.
Miguel Almiron – 8
Led the way for tackles (6) and remains a huge figure in this team even when not scoring.
Callum Wilson – 7
A brilliant turn in the first-half to create space for a shot, though Wilson could not convert from close range. Certainly grew into the game after a slow start but not yet at his best.
Like the rest of the team, however, Wilson kept on and came up with the assist for Isak.
Joelinton – 7
It’s getting hard to say anything new about Joelinton. So often the tempo-setter in terms of desire, the Brazilian is doing all of this from a role that can now be considered not his best position.
Subs:
Allan Saint-Maximin (for Guimaraes ’45) 7
Much more energetic than in recent weeks and went close in the second-half.
Alexander Isak (for Joe Willock ’70) 8
A huge moment for Isak, who nodded in after Wilson’s late cross and made a major difference with his energy towards the end of the game.
Jacob Murphy (for Miguel Almiron) 6
Couldn’t do a huge amount with so few minutes but was crucial in helping set up the winner with a deft touch to reclaim possession.
Chris Wood (for Callum Wilson ’90)
N/A
Not used: Dubravka, Ritchie, Lascelles, Manquillo, Lewis
