Bruno Guimarães punishes Fulham to keep Newcastle's European hopes alive | first division

Sometimes, the sneaky victories are the ones to savor. Fulham He made the most of the race, created the most opportunities and produced the most top skills. As for Newcastle, they started the game in survival mode, could have been out after 30 minutes and looked to be on the brink of collapse after seeing Joe Willock become the latest player to limp off injured.

At one point, Fabian Schär, after stretching to finish off another teasing Fulham pass, could be seen yelling at his teammates to show more care in possession. On the touchline, Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall frowned and tried to figure out how to lift their team. It was telling that Howe took the opportunity to give his players a tactical briefing (and perhaps a few choice words about their attitude) after Martin Dubravka, the Newcastle goalkeeper, went for treatment after 21 minutes of complete Fulham dominance.

Fulham manager Marco Silva would later make a scathing comment about the number of times Dubravka interrupted play by sinking into the turf. However, Howe rejected any suggestion of cunning. He preferred to focus on Newcastle's defensive resilience and attacking power after Bruno Guimarães punished Fulham's wasted finish by taking advantage of an error by Antonee Robinson and scoring the only goal with nine minutes remaining.

“We were second best,” said the Newcastle coach. “But we managed to find a way to stay in the game. We were tired but it was an amazing response. It was a change in attitude that made the difference. “It's right up there with one of the best wins of the season.”

It could be crucial. There has been a lot of talk about Newcastle's financial situation, along with suggestions that the Premier League's sustainability and profit regulations could force them to sell Guimarães this summer. A lot depends on the next few weeks. Howe would surely have more transfer money and a better chance to build around the Brazilian midfielder if Newcastle, one point behind sixth-placed Manchester United, qualify for Europe again.

They will be more likely to do so if Harvey Barnes continues to influence games from the bench. Howe, who praised Schär and Dan Burn for holding firm in central defence, was delighted when the winger came on and played an important role in Guimarães' goal.

It was tough for Fulham, who remain in 13th place after three games without a win. They looked rejuvenated after their collapse against Nottingham Forest. Willian was there after a minute, initiating a fluid movement with a flick in the air. Tosin Adarabioyo came out of defense and combined with Robinson, overlapping from the left back.

The chances piled up, João Palhinha and Willian missed, Rodrigo Muniz shot too close to Dubravka. “We had opportunities,” Silva said. “It's really important to be clinical when you're up front, when your momentum is so high. The second half was not so good.”

Newcastle, whose problems grew when Willock made way for Elliot Anderson, held on. They were exhausted again, the absence of 11 players limiting Howe's options, although they improved as the half progressed. Guimarães became a stabilizing influence in midfield and there was a warning for Fulham when Alexander Isak found space in the box, only to let Sean Longstaff's pass slip past him.

Anthony Gordon, who was still running toward Timothy Castagne on the left, also moved. The winger went close twice before the break and was key to Newcastle's bold start to the second half. Bernd Leno had to make a big save after Gordon beat Castagne on the left.

Fulham responded through Andreas Pereira, who tested Dubravka from 18 yards, but both teams fell after the hour mark. The benches became key. Barnes replaced Newcastle. Schär had a goal disallowed after Jarred Gillett, the VAR, advised Sam Allison to check the pitch monitor and assess Burn's challenge on Calvin Bassey. A foul was the right decision.

Newcastle shook off the disappointment. Barnes, impressive as a substitute against West Ham last week, soon attacked down the left. Fulham were reeling and when Robinson's clearance fell into the hands of Guimarães, the Brazilian had time to touch before firing a low shot past Leno. Newcastle dug deep.