Who could have predicted that Eddie Howe would become synonymous with street-smart defensive effectiveness?
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s second-half penalty was denied due to a bizarre and completely inadvertent double touch, but Newcastle has conceded only 11 goals in 19 Premier League games.
Despite being made to work incredibly hard by Marco Silva’s side, they remain in contention for Champions League qualifying thanks to an 89th-minute goal from a £60 million striker who had been largely invisible on Tyneside in recent weeks.
In his first Premier League appearance since suffering a thigh injury in September, Sweden’s Alexander Isak came off the bench to score Newcastle’s game-winning header from close range. This was Isak’s first Premier League appearance since suffering a thigh injury in September.
The missed penalty gave us a tremendous boost, gave our players a sense of freedom, and got the crowd behind us,” Howe, whose club has maintained five consecutive clean sheets, said. “I am extremely happy for Alex. It might be a momentous occasion in our season. We’ll do everything possible not to concede, and we’re in an excellent position.”
Isak wins Newcastle over Fulham
Silva claimed that cynicism had a role in bringing Newcastle there. “They have talent, but Newcastle is also really physical,” he stated with some emphasis. The Fulham manager was extremely critical of the referee, Robert Jones, but he did not endorse claims that Howe’s players intentionally scuffed the turf around the penalty spot before Mitrovic took the shot.
The Serbian striker, formerly of Newcastle, fell while attempting his kick. Knocking the ball into his standing foot before watching it bounce through Nick Pope’s far post. “I observed several players surrounding the penalty position before the kick, but I cannot say,” Silva stated. “I simply enjoy asserting what I am certain of.”
When discussing the events preceding the incident in the 69th minute, the Portuguese spoke with assurance. Silva claimed Jones missed two obvious fouls in the box, claiming Dan Burn should have been sent off for blocking a clear scoring opportunity by sending Andreas Pereira tumbling and Kieran Trippier should have been ejected for tripping Bobby Decordova-Reid.
Eventually, a VAR review resulted in the penalty being awarded, but by that time, Silva was enraged. “It is tough to understand how the referee missed at least one before VAR,” he remarked. “Newcastle committed several fouls, but practically all of the decisions today went against us.” It is possible to have a bad afternoon, just as the referee did not play his greatest game.
The referee made a blatant error
But Burn’s initial foul warranted a penalty and a red card. The referee made a blatant error, and I do not understand how VAR missed the red card. It had a profound effect. I have significantly more issues with that than with the penalty itself. If Mitrovic has twice touched the ball, it must be rejected.”
Howe’s first concern was the ankle injury that forced him to remove his star player Bruno Guimares at halftime. He stated, “Bruno needs a scan, which is never a good indication.” “In retrospect, I should have removed him earlier. We hope it is not permanent.”
Before kickoff, home fans in the Leazes End hoisted a banner that said, “We’re not here to be popular. We’re here to compete,” and Fulham quickly learned that Howe is an infinitely more pragmatic coach than when he orchestrated a defensively generous Bournemouth.
The arrival of Allan Saint-Maximin on the left wing in the second half gave Newcastle the victory on a day when their manager courted controversy by starting Joelinton despite the Brazilian being charged with drink-driving the previous week.
Howe stated, “Yesterday, I had a lengthy discussion with my coaching team in which we discussed this issue.” “I did not underestimate what Joe did, but there are several factors to consider, and I had to make a choice.”
Newcastle appeared far more dangerous as Joelinton slid into midfield to make room for Saint-Maximin. They had previously failed to create clear opportunities against a resolute Fulham defense supported by Bernd Leno’s outstanding goalkeeping.
Although Leno made a good stop from Callum Wilson and Fabian Schar’s free-kick struck the post. Little opportunities presented themselves until Wilson glanced Longstaff’s cross into the path of Isak. Silva added, “I am proud of my players.” “To lose in such a manner was awful.”
