Fulham 3-1 Newcastle United Player Ratings as Jimenez and Smith Rowe propel the Cottagers to an emphatic win

Newcastle United found themselves at the mercy of Fulham, who thrashed them 3-1 to pick up three crucial points in the Premier League.

The Cottagers overwhelmed Eddie Howe’s side with their relentless counter-attacks, leading to two goals in the first half. Raul Jimenez found the breakthrough with a scintillating finish off Adama Traore’s assist before Emile Smith Rowe doubled the lead in quick succession, thanks to goalkeeper Nick Pope’s sloppy effort.

By contrast, Newcastle upped their ante in the second half, with substitute Jacob Murphy setting up Harvey Barnes to halve the deficit inside the opening minute of the second half. However, the Magpies’ momentum quickly regressed.

Super sub-Reiss Nelson put the game to bed by firing his shot into the nets, capitalising on Bruno Guimaraes’ terrible backpass.

With that defeat, Newcastle’s efforts to move to the top were curbed while the Cottagers returned to winning ways after consecutive draws.

Fulham Player Ratings vs Newcastle United

Goalkeeper

Bernd Leno: 6/10 -Denied Gordon’s effort in the second half with a great save but nearly cost his side with a brain-fade moment by passing the ball to a marked Smith Rowe; however, Fabian Schar squandered his shot wide to the German shot-stopper’s relief.

Defenders

Antonee Robinson: 7/10- Robinson put on an impressive display both offensive and defensively. He was nonchalant with his ball-carrying and also made a last-ditch effort to win the ball against Isak.

Calvin Bassey: 7/10- Bassey produced an impressive display in the backline.

Joachim Andersen: 7/10-Andersen’s calm presence in the first half was contrasted by his nervy moments in the second period. Was at fault for the Magpies’ first goal but held his own in crucial moments to help his side to a win.

Kenny Tete 6/10: Combined impressively with Adama Traore on the right-handed side. Tete’s ball-carrying prowess caused all sorts of danger for the Magpies. Also, be watchful in keeping Anthony Gordon at bay. But could do little against Barnes’ strike. 

Midfielders

Andreas Pereira 5/10: The Brazilian was not at his usual best against Newcastle. Looked a bit shaky in possession and off it. 

Sasa Lukic 6/10: Subbed off at halftime but Lukic delivered a typical midfield masterclass when he lasted on the pitch. The Serbian’s absence was noticeable in the second half as Fulham were vulnerable at times without him.

Emile Smith Rowe 8/10: A top-class performance from the No.10. Smith Rowe scored a slick goal after combining with Iwobi in a devastating counter. Could have had a double but his shot hit the top of the crossbar. Clocked a pass percentage of 89 and made four passes into the final third.

Attackers

Adama Traore 8/10: Traore was one of the pivotal figures behind the victory. Set up Jimenez’s opener and could have added another assist were it not for Pope’s excellent save against Iwobi. Traore’s physicality and pace proved too much to the Newcastle players.

Alex Iwobi 7/10: A clinical showing from the Nigerian midfielder. Was seen everywhere on the field and hardly put his wrong in the actions he took. His impressive work rate was what set him apart.

Raul Jimenez 8/10: A vintage performance from Jimenez, who found the score sheet for the second consecutive game. His marksmanship for the first goal was outstanding as he received the ball before turning back quickly and firing a shot in the blink of an eye, leaving Pope stranded.

Substitutes

Sander Berge 5/10: Replaced Lukic at half-time but didn’t have an impact as much as the Serbian. Although he was found wanting on occasions, the Norwegian midfielder was more solid on possession.

Harrison Reed 5/10: Didn’t do anything special in the final quarter of the game but received a yellow card.

Reiss Nelson 7/10: Made a spectacular impact as a super-sub by blasting home the winner, thanks to Guimaraes’ awful pass.

Issa Diop: N/A

Rodrigo Muniz: N/A

Also Read: Aston Villa vs Wolves Player Ratings as Ollie Watkins inspire the host for an epic comeback

Newcastle United Player Ratings vs Fulham

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope 5/10: Couldn’t do much with Fulham’s first goal but made a mess of his save to allow the ball to roll into the nets for the second. However, the English keeper made an excellent reflex to deny Iwoby’s effort in the second half.

Defenders

Llyod Kelly 4/10: Was hauled off at halftime following a dismal first-half showing. Was regularly caught by Tete and Adama Traore on the left-hand side.

Dan Burn 5/10: A disappointing performance from the centre-back. Looked all over the place against Fulham’s relentless attack. Jimenez caused Burn a lot of trouble with the runs behind the backline.

Fabian Schar 5/10: Not the kind of performance one would expect from a top-class defender who was instrumental in his side’s victory against Wolves. Schar looked far from his best and couldn’t find any sort of inspiration.

Kieran Trippier 5/10: Another player who delivered a sub-standard display. Didn’t offer anything to the Magpies and was put out of his misery by getting taken off in the 74th minute.

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes 4/10: The Brazilian’s erratic performance was something the Newcastle fans wouldn’t have gotten used to. Was nowhere to be seen when Fulham overwhelmed Newcastle on the break. Although he tried to save his side with his progressive passes, his error leading to Nelson’s goal proved to be the last straw. 

Joelinton 4/10: Joelinton was no different to his Brazilian compatriot as he produced a lacklustre performance. Was culpable for Fulham’s first goal.

Joe Willock 5/10: Hardly made his presence felt and was rightfully replaced by Jacob Murphy at half-time.

Attackers

Anthony Gordon 4/10: Switched between the two flanks but to no effect. A forgettable display from the English winger

Harvey Barnes 6/10: Nearly ghosted in the first half but scored Newcastle’s only goal of the game after the break. The finish was outstanding and so typical of Barnes. He already has four goals and one assist this season.

Alexander Isak 4/10: Started the game despite fitness concerns but endured a painful evening, failing to make any meaningful contribution 

Substitutes

Jacob Murphy 6/10: Made an astounding instant impact after starting a leather counterattack before setting up Barnes

Lewis Hall 4/10: Came on as a half-time substitute but failed to make any big difference

Sandro Tonali: N/A

William Osula: N/A

Tino Livramento: N/A

FAQ’s