Bruno Guimaraes Scores 90th-minute Winner for Magpies

At a glance

• Jacob Murphy opens the scoring for Newcastle
• Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic equalises with header in second half
• PLAYER RATINGS

Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes scored a dramatic late winner as Fulham’s losing run continued at St James’ Park.

It looked like Newcastle were going to have to settle for a share of the spoils against injury-hit Fulham.

But in the 90th minute Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno could only parry substitute William Osula’s shot into the path of Guimaraes and the midfielder took full advantage to fire home from close range.

Fulham had earlier come from behind as midfielder Sasa Lukic’s header cancelled out Jacob Murphy’s opener.

Fulham substitute Kevin whipped a teasing cross to the back post to Raul Jimenez, who rattled the crossbar with a first-time volley, with the ball bouncing inside the box and Lukic getting there ahead of Sven Botman.

But Newcastle pushed for a winner and the hosts got their reward late on to build on the midweek victory against Benfica in the Champions League.

Fulham, meanwhile, have now lost each of their past four games.Media caption,

My finish was like Shearer – Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle analysis: Others step up

It felt a mental test as much as a physical one.

Would Newcastle be able to back up their impressive 3-0 win against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday night?

Could Eddie Howe’s side inject some much-needed momentum into their Premier League season and move into the top half of the table?

Energetic Newcastle certainly started with the intent to do so – twice hitting the woodwork through Nick Woltemade and Murphy – and it did not take the winger long to put his side in front with his first goal of the season.

But, rather than taking control, the hosts repeatedly gave the ball away and failed to grab that crucial second goal as they allowed Fulham back into the game.

Newcastle looked in need of inspiration when Howe turned to his bench and substitutes Anthony Elanga and Osula played a crucial role in Guimaraes’ winner.

Howe’s side have relied on Woltemade to score in the Premier League, with the German netting four of his side’s previous five goals in the top flight before this game.

But on an afternoon when Woltemade did not find the back of the net, the hosts found a way to win. Just.Media caption,

Newcastle’s ‘relentless pursuit’ for winner paid off – Howe

Fulham analysis: Spirited response ends in defeat

Was it going to be a case of deja vu?

Having gone behind at St James’ Park, spirited Fulham came from behind to win the game in the second half last season.

But there was no repeat on Saturday. This time it was the visitors who were on the receiving end of a late winner.

Marco Silva will still take a lot of encouragement to his side’s response to going behind, though, particularly on an afternoon when they were without a number of players, including defenders Antonee Robinson and Joachim Andersen, summer signing Samuel Chukwueze, midfielder Harry Wilson and striker Rodrigo Muniz.

Fulham could have gone under after Murphy capitalised on slack play from defender Calvin Bassey to put Newcastle in front.

But Silva’s side rallied and, crucially, carried a threat after failing to register a shot on target against Arsenal last time out.

The game that this team will truly be judged on is the visit of Wolves to Craven Cottage next week. That already feels like a significant fixture, even at this early stage of the campaign.Media caption,

Fulham manager Silva reacts to defeat at Newcastle

What next for these teams?

Newcastle welcome Tottenham to St James’ Park in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, 29 October before travelling to London Stadium to take on West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday, 2 November.

Fulham face Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, 28 October and then host Wolves at Craven Cottage in the top flight on Saturday, 1 November.

Average rating8.12

Source: BBC