Newcastle secured a spot in the FA Cup’s fifth round after a hard-fought win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
A contentious goal from Sean Longstaff in the first half propelled the visitors forward, as the midfielder skillfully placed a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner following a deflection off the arm of teammate Bruno Guimaraes.
The hosts expressed frustration with the decision, as numerous home players protested to referee Jarred Gillett before the goal was confirmed following a video assistant referee check.
Newcastle extended their lead in the second half when Dan Burn netted from close range, taking advantage of a rebound off Sven Botman’s header, against his former team, as home goalkeeper Marek Rodak could only parry.
Up until that point, Fulham appeared more likely to equalize against an unconvincing and seemingly fatigued Newcastle side.
Despite Marco Silva’s extensively altered team showcasing better fluency and controlling possession, they struggled to find a cutting edge in the final third.
Rodrigo Muniz’s early effort, which was well saved by Magpies goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, accounted for one of their best moments, while substitute Raul Jimenez was unable to direct Kenny Tete’s cross from the right on target from close range.
The draw for the next round of the competition will take place on Sunday.
Fulham’s exit two cup competitions in same week
Silva implemented seven changes to the lineup that faced Liverpool and exited the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage on Wednesday.
Despite displaying commendable overall performance, the team fell short at both ends of the pitch, leading to the disappointment of missing out on a Wembley final this season.
Muniz, 22, starting in place of Jimenez, managed just one shot on target and often found himself isolated as the hosts struggled to break down their opponents. Although Tete’s dynamic runs from right-back provided a spark, the introduction of Jimenez and Joao Palhinha was delayed until late in the game.
Silva also faced disappointment with a first-half injury to Harry Wilson and the team’s susceptibility to conceding goals, as both of Newcastle’s goals originated from corners, with Botman left completely unmarked for the second goal.
Newcastle grind to victory
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will be pleased with their advancement in a competition they haven’t won since 1955. The team had faced setbacks in their previous seven FA Cup matches against top-flight opponents and was going through a challenging period, having lost their last four Premier League matches.
Due to Miguel Almiron’s absence due to illness, his replacement Jacob Murphy had an early opportunity created by Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Antonee Robinson, but he should have done better. Additionally, Murphy was in an offside position when he received a through ball and slotted it past Rodak into the far corner.
Nevertheless, Longstaff’s goal initially provided them with something to cling to, and Burn’s goal secured a hard-fought victory.