Newcastle 3-0 Fulham
by Roger Domeneghetti
at St James' Park

A GAME that could have been marred by a post-Champions League hangover was in the end all rather routine for Newcastle.

It might have been different, but they were handed an early Christmas present, perfectly gift-wrapped with a bow on top, when midway through the first half, Raul Jimenez was sent off for a recklessly high challenge on Sean Longstaff.

The Newcastle player was lucky not to be seriously injured and so it was referee Sam Barrott showed only a yellow. However, he was subsequently instructed to take a second look on the pitch-side monitor by VAR Michael Salisbury. And we all know what that means…

While Fulham boss Marco Silva accepted the decision, he was not happy with the performance of the officials. “It was a late challenge from Raul,” he said, “but two minutes before the same referee and the same VAR give nothing for a Jamal Lascelles elbow on Raul. Everything was strange with the decisions.”

Despite their recent scintillating home form, Fulham were without a win in seven on the road and their numerical disadvantage only made their chance of stopping the rot harder.

Minutes later, Anthony Gordon hit the underside of the crossbar, it was the closest Newcastle came to breaking the deadlock before the break.

“Today was never going to be free flowing buccaneering football,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. “The big challenge for us was whether we were going to recover mentally. The players are human beings, they’re not robots. They did incredibly well to hold their name today.”

The Toon Army didn’t have to wait long for the opener, Lewis Miley firing them in front after 57 minutes with a low finish in front of the Gallowgate End. “I was delighted for him,” said Howe.

Miguel Almiron grabbed the second seven minutes  later and Dan Burn made it three with 10 minutes to go, bundling the ball over the line after his header was initially saved by Bernd Leno.

There was a rousing reception for Sven Botman on as a late substitute after 12 weeks out with injury, but once again, victory was tempered by a brace of injuries, to Fabian Schar and Joelinton. “We don’t think they’re serious,” said Howe, “but let’s see how they are tomorrow. My hands are probably going to be tied with team selection. I’m going to have to go back to tired players.”