Fulham 3-1 Newcastle United. Newcastle United’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to an abrupt end as Fulham secured a well-deserved 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers, full of purpose and energy, took an early lead and held on despite a stronger second-half showing from Eddie Howe’s side.
The game started with a bang, as Raul Jimenez gave Fulham the lead just 44 seconds after Newcastle’s Joelinton had a goal ruled out for offside. Jimenez’s sharp turn and clinical finish set the tone for Fulham’s aggressive play, catching the visitors off guard.
A standout performance from 24-year-old Emile Smith Rowe, who moved to Fulham in the summer from Arsenal, was key to Fulham’s success. After a string of injuries at Arsenal, Smith Rowe made the switch across London, a decision that has paid off. His creativity and ball-carrying skills caused problems for Newcastle throughout the game. He hit the bar early on and soon after, linked up with former teammate Alex Iwobi for a well-taken goal, doubling Fulham’s lead. The Craven Cottage faithful gave Smith Rowe a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the game, a sign of his growing impact at the club.
“I’m feeling confident and happy,” said Smith Rowe after the match. “It’s been a tough couple of seasons, but I feel fit and ready to keep working hard.”
Jimenez also impressed, making the most of his opportunity as a starter ahead of Rodrigo Muniz. Adama Traore’s blistering pace added another dimension to Fulham’s attack, creating constant pressure on Newcastle’s defense.
Fulham had struggled with finishing in earlier matches this season, notably in their defeat to Manchester United and a draw with West Ham, but this time they were clinical. Fulham boss Marco Silva expressed his satisfaction with the performance. “It was a great first half, and we created many problems for them,” Silva said. “In the Premier League, you have to be clinical, and today we were.”
Newcastle managed to cut Fulham’s lead early in the second half, with Harvey Barnes scoring just 28 seconds after the restart. Barnes’ goal came after a driving run by Jacob Murphy, one of the halftime substitutes, who injected much-needed energy into Newcastle’s attack.
Despite Newcastle’s improved second-half performance, they couldn’t find an equalizer. Fabian Schar came close, hitting the side-netting after intercepting a poor clearance from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. In the end, Fulham sealed their victory in stoppage time when Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes’ poor clearance fell to Reiss Nelson, who fired in to secure the win.
Newcastle’s loss drops them to sixth in the Premier League standings, while Fulham’s victory lifts them to eighth. With Manchester City and Arsenal yet to play this weekend, Newcastle missed the chance to temporarily top the table.
Eddie Howe acknowledged his team’s struggles in the first half. “It was a slow start, and the first goal was a killer blow for us,” Howe said. A lack of defensive solidity and fluidity in attack left Newcastle vulnerable. Although they showed more character in the second half, it wasn’t enough to prevent their first defeat of the season.
Newcastle’s inability to sustain pressure in key moments has been a concern despite their early success. Late goals had been a theme in their victories over Tottenham and Wolves, but this time, they couldn’t conjure up a late equalizer.
Howe reflected on the missed opportunity, saying, “The character and attitude were better in the second half, but we have to learn from our slow start.”
This defeat serves as a reminder for Newcastle that while they remain a force in the league, consistency and sharper execution will be key as they push for a top-four finish this season. Meanwhile, Fulham continue to show progress under Silva, and their strong start hints at the potential for a successful campaign.
Key Takeaways:
- Emile Smith Rowe Shines: The former Arsenal midfielder played a pivotal role in Fulham’s victory, showcasing his skill and creativity.
- Fulham’s Efficiency: After earlier struggles with finishing, Fulham capitalized on their chances, with Jimenez, Smith Rowe, and Nelson all getting on the scoresheet.
- Newcastle’s First Loss: Despite a stronger second half, Newcastle couldn’t recover from a slow start and missed the chance to go top of the table.
source – BBC