Bruno Guimaraes netted his fourth goal of the season, securing a victory for Newcastle against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Brazilian midfielder found the net in the final 10 minutes following a fine assist from substitute Harvey Barnes. The goal came shortly after Fabian Schar had a goal disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
Newcastle now sits just one point behind sixth-placed Manchester United, firmly entrenched in the battle for European qualification next season.
Despite starting brightly, Marco Silva’s Fulham failed to capitalize on their chances, with Willian, Joao Palhinha, and Rodrigo Muniz all squandering promising opportunities. The missed chances allowed Eddie Howe’s Newcastle to gain momentum as the game progressed.
Anthony Gordon, back in the Newcastle starting lineup after serving a suspension, posed a continuous threat and came close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful 20-yard drive that narrowly missed the target.
Magpies eyeing a return to Europe
In the race for lower-rung European football berths next season, Tottenham and Aston Villa vie for fourth place, while West Ham’s comeback win at Wolves keeps them in seventh position. Both West Ham and Newcastle are closing in on Manchester United, who face Liverpool on Sunday.
Newcastle, having tasted European football in the Champions League earlier this season, now set their sights on securing Europa League or Europa Conference League berths. Despite enduring a season marred by injuries under Eddie Howe’s management, the Magpies showcased resilience and determination in their recent victory over Fulham.
Bruno Guimaraes’ crucial goal was met with jubilation and relief among the traveling fans, underscoring the significance of this late-season mission for Newcastle.
What next for Fulham?
Fulham’s defeat to Newcastle has left them languishing in lower mid-table, signaling a potential downturn in their season.
Throughout this campaign, Marco Silva’s team has often demonstrated competitiveness against higher-ranked opponents, fueling aspirations of future European contention that haven’t seemed far-fetched.
Despite not being renowned for his finishing prowess, Palhinha had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock for the Cottagers but could only direct his effort wide from close range.
Muniz, who has tallied eight goals in nine Premier League matches, was expected to capitalize on a clear chance in the first half, but his attempt was straight at Martin Dubravka.
Since their impressive 3-0 victory over Tottenham on 16 March, Fulham’s form has dipped. A 3-3 draw against bottom side Sheffield United was followed by a 3-1 loss to relegation-threatened Forest on Tuesday.
Had they secured six points from those two matches, Silva’s side would have been in contention for a European berth, but it now appears they are out of the running.
With potential summer signings and Silva having more time to mold his squad, Fulham may believe that a sustained push for European qualification could be within reach, having learned the consequences of a late-season slump.