Fulham ended Newcastle United's unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 3-1 win at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The home side were deservedly 2-0 up at half-time after a dominant first-half showing in the Craven Cottage sunshine, taking an early lead thanks to Raul Jimenez's excellent control and finish, just seconds after Joelinton had seen his effort ruled out for offside against Joe Willock.
Fulham really should have ended the game on the counter as Newcastle went all out in search of an equaliser, with Pope pulling off one extraordinary close-range reaction stop to deny Iwobi, before substitute Reiss Nelson did add a late third after another mistake, this time from skipper Bruno Guimaraes.
Fulham's Dominance
Fulham's dominance in the first half was evident from the start. They controlled the tempo and possession, creating numerous chances and putting Newcastle under immense pressure. Jimenez's early goal set the tone for the rest of the half, and Smith-Rowe's second goal was a testament to the Cottagers' attacking prowess.
Newcastle's Fightback
Newcastle's fightback in the second half was commendable, but it came too late. The introduction of Jacob Murphy and Lewis Hall brought renewed energy and attacking impetus to the Magpies, but they were ultimately undone by individual errors and Fulham's resilience.
A Turning Point?
This match could prove to be a turning point in the season for both teams. Fulham have shown that they can compete with the best in the Premier League, while Newcastle will need to bounce back quickly from this defeat if they want to challenge for the title.
Marco Silva's Reaction
Fulham boss Marco Silva was understandably delighted with his team's performance, highlighting Jimenez's impact and the team's overall resilience. "It was a great goal from him [Jimenez]. It shows that when he's confident like now he's capable to do these situations," Silva said.
"The turn, the rotation from him was top level and it was great. He also had a very good moment which was over the bar, it was tough for him to face big players like Dan Burn but he was fighting and helped the team. It was a good performance from him and it's important for a striker to be scoring the goals. It was a deserved three points, great work from the lads and it was a great reaction from ourselves. We wanted to show a reaction because we were not fortunate last week and what a reaction it was from ourselves. The first half was very good with the way we started and were dominant."
Eddie Howe's Disappointment
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was clearly disappointed with his team's performance, acknowledging that it was their worst of the season. "Today was the worst we've played. Especially in the first half, the second half was better," Howe said.
"In the other games it's not been perfect but there's been solidity. But today, defensively, we were not good enough and we're going to work to put it right. First half we were too reactive, Fulham played well but we conceded a poor first goal. It's difficult to go away from home when you give them help and that first half was tough. But second half we responded well and chased the game effectively until the end. We need to reflect and analyse that."
Jimenez's Resurgence
Sky Sports' Richard Morgan highlighted the resurgence of Raul Jimenez, who is looking to make the striking role his own for good. "Rodrigo Muniz was understandably chosen to lead Fulham's line at the start of the season after his excellent form in front of goal in 2024, but that role has now gone to Jimenez after the former's slow start to the campaign - and the Mexican looks determined to hold on to it," Morgan said.
"Everyone knows about the fractured skull the striker suffered while at Wolves three years ago and it has been a long road back for him, but gradually he looks to be returning to his best. Jimenez was on target in the draw with West Ham last weekend and the 33-year-old was at it again against Newcastle, opening the scoring with a brilliantly taken effort as he took down Traore's ball in from the right in one movement, before sweeping home a low shot for his eighth goal in just his last nine Premier League starts. His manager, Marco Silva, was purring in his praise of his frontman, noting what a key ingredient confidence is in any sportsman's armour, with Jimenez now looking to make that striking role his for good."
A Mirage?
Newcastle's defeat raises questions about their previous unbeaten run. Was it a genuine reflection of their strength, or was it a mirage masking underlying weaknesses? Howe would not be drawn on that after the match, saying every game is different, but we may find out more on Tuesday night when he takes his side to League Two high-flyers Wimbledon for a tricky-looking Carabao Cup third-round clash that the Magpies cannot afford to lose.
A Moment of Truth
This game presented a moment of truth for both teams, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Fulham showed their ability to compete with the league's best, while Newcastle's weaknesses were exposed, giving them a much-needed wake-up call. The future remains uncertain for both sides, but this game served as a reminder that the Premier League is a fierce and unforgiving competition.
