Newcastle United’s Unbeaten Run Ends with Defeat at Fulham

Newcastle United‘s unbeaten start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign concluded with a 3-1 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The match, held on a Saturday afternoon, saw the Magpies concede twice in the first half. Raul Jiménez opened the scoring for the hosts in the fifth minute with a clinical finish. Shortly after, Emile Smith Rowe doubled Fulham’s advantage, putting pressure on Eddie Howe‘s side.

In the early moments of the second half, Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes narrowed Fulham’s lead, scoring for his third consecutive Premier League match. Despite United’s efforts to equalise, Reiss Nelson’s stoppage-time goal ensured Fulham’s victory and handed Newcastle their first loss of the season.

Eddie Howe, aiming to steer his team to the top of the Premier League, made four adjustments to the squad that previously secured a win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Kieran Trippier, Lloyd Kelly, Joe Willock, and Barnes were introduced as starters in West London.

Newcastle was denied an early goal when Joelinton struck the underside of the crossbar, but the effort was disallowed due to an offside positioning by Joe Willock. Barely moments later, Raul Jiménez capitalized on a cross from Adama Traoré, putting the home side ahead.

Borussia midfielder Emile Smith Rowe extended Fulham’s lead in the 22nd minute after receiving a pass from Alex Iwobi, slotting the ball past Nick Pope to the bottom right-hand corner. For the remainder of the match, Pope skillfully prevented further Fulham goals, especially during attempts by Adama Traoré and Alex Iwobi.

In efforts to equalize, Newcastle’s Denmark international Joelinton, alongside teammates, saw several chances thwarted, including a blocked shot from Anthony Gordon and a narrowly missed curling effort by Jacob Murphy. Nevertheless, as time expired, Reiss Nelson’s goal sealed Fulham’s triumph.

This victory marked a significant event for Fulham following setbacks in recent matches against West Ham United and a League Cup exit at the hands of Preston North End. For Newcastle, the game underscored the squad’s current challenges, including the absence of key players such as Callum Wilson and Sven Botman due to injuries.

Eddie Howe, speaking about his team’s prospects, implied hope for continued resilience in the season ahead despite this setback, emphasizing the squad depth and collective improvement measures as Newcastle United targets a strong standing in the Premier League rankings.