It wasn’t pretty, but that was a massive result for Newcastle United, as Bruno Guimaraes’ late strike sealed a 1-0 win for Eddie Howe’s Mags. Below, we rate the performance of each player involved at Craven Cottage.
Dubravka – 7/10 – Made four saves and claimed a few crosses. Stood up well to the early pressure and did well to continue after going down twice with knocks.
Krafth – 4/10 – Willian got the better of him on multiple occasions. Booked early on for a blatant trip and struggled to get forward. Not his finest afternoon.
Schar – 7/10 – Couldn’t pick a forward pass in the first half and almost gifted Fulham a goal with a missed clearance, but was so unlucky to not send us 1-0 up and much improved in the second half.
Burn* – 7.5/10 – Looks more comfortable as a centre half and made some vital interventions to help defend our lead. Harshly penalised by VAR for Schar’s disallowed goal, reorganised the defence after a bad start and was strong in the air.
Hall – 6/10 – Struggled with Alex Iwobi and passing left a lot to be desired. Improved when up against Adama in second half and deserves a run in the team.
Bruno – 7/10 – Walking a tightrope with his threat of suspension so didn’t get as involved as he could have in the first half, but struck his goal with venom and sent a message to those speculating about his future as he kissed the badge while celebrating. We had more control of the game in the second half and a lot of that was down to him, playing some key passes to set us away and breaking up the play.
Longstaff – 4/10 – So slow to react and looked lethargic on the pitch. Steady second half but was booked and hit a few loose hit and hope passes. Clear to see he is still carrying an injury.
Willock – 4/10 – Was forced off before half-time with an injury but didn’t really impact the game before that. Like Hall, Iwobi was often getting the better of him down our left. Looks very rusty.
Murphy – 4/10 – Struggled to track back and left Krafth with a lot of work to do defensively. Had one big opening in the second half but lopped it high over the bar.
Isak – 5/10 – Struggled to get into the game for much of the first half, but his movement was good between the Fulham defenders. Had a chance late on but couldn’t convert.
Gordon – 6/10 – Was our biggest threat throughout and made things happen, but he dragged one first half chance wide and fired over in the second. Wasteful and was very sloppy on the ball in the first half, but carried a threat and should’ve had an assist for Schar’s disallowed goal.
Anderson (43’) – 6/10 – Worked the ball well ahead of Bruno’s goal and added some bite to our midfield in place of Willock. Deserves a run in the side?
Barnes (65’) – 6/10 – Positive and direct. He deserves a start when we take on Spurs next weekend.
Dummett (95’) – Learned his lessons from Tuesday and stayed away from any wrestles in the box.
Ritchie (95’) – On for the final few minutes of added time.
Only a 6 for Gordon? You’re an idiot.
Graeme(Quote)
Called out Willock and Murphy selections before the game, even allowing for injury 4’s are generous.
Anderson and Barnes changed the game given a 6 on the stingy side and Gordon the same, must have been on a good brew last night.
Longstaff again poor a 4 for me, and Bruno was asleep for most of the match a 6.
Joseph(Quote)
Charming. Read what is said – he was our most threatening attacker but also missed two huge chances and was very sloppy with his passing in the first half…
Olly Hawkins(Quote)