Newcastle United played out a 1-1 draw in their Premier League encounter at Craven Cottage on Saturday, with both sides scoring late goals to settle an entertaining contest.
Newcastle appeared set to claim all three points after Jacob Murphy broke the deadlock in the 80th minute, but Fulham responded three minutes later through substitute Rodrigo Muniz to rescue a point for the hosts.
The first half ended goalless despite Fulham enjoying more possession and creating promising openings.
The hosts controlled 58 per cent of the ball and completed 426 accurate passes, compared with Newcastle’s 294, as they dominated much of the midfield battle.
However, Newcastle proved more threatening in front of goal, recording three big chances against Fulham’s one.
The visitors also had the advantage in expected goals, 0.91 to 0.62, although both teams registered five shots on target.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 80th minute when Murphy finished with his weaker left foot to put Newcastle ahead.
Fulham refused to give up, restoring parity in the 83rd minute as Muniz converted from close range after coming off the bench.
The equaliser ensured that neither side left empty-handed after a closely contested second half.
Newcastle goalkeeper Lukáš Horníček made five saves, including two important interventions, while Fulham’s Bernd Leno recorded four saves.
Nigeria international Alex Iwobi also played an influential role for Fulham, providing creativity in midfield.
The midfielder completed 46 of his 51 passes, delivered seven accurate long balls and created four key chances for the hosts.
Murphy was Newcastle’s standout performer, having scored the opening goal and contributed defensively throughout the encounter.
He also won four of his five ground duels and completed three accurate crosses.
Newcastle finished with more tackles, interceptions and clearances, while Fulham had the advantage in possession and attacking territory.
Both teams also struck five shots on target in a game that produced most of its excitement after the break.
The result means the two sides shared the points in the Premier League Round 10 fixture, with Fulham benefiting from Muniz’s late intervention after Newcastle had taken the lead.
