Newcastle compound Fulham’s cup misery as they ease to FA Cup victory
Fulham 0-2 Newcastle: The Cottagers were beaten on aggregate by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup earlier this week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Newcastle United showed signs of being back to their best as they knocked Fulham out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Sean Longstaff scored in the first half before Dan Burn dealt the final blow to Marco Silva’s men in the fourth-round tie.
Newcastle, who last played on 13 January and are without a league win in four, looked fresh as they inflicted more cup misery on Fulham, ending their hopes of silverware following their Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Liverpool earlier this week.
The London team were sloppy in possession and after Marek Rodak bailed his teammates out with a quick-thinking stop to deny Kieran Trippier’s cross-shot, Anthony Gordon’s long-range effort missed the target, whistling past the Fulham goalkeeper’s left-hand post.
Rodrigo Muniz was given a rare start and the Brazil forward was taking his opportunity, forcing a fingertip save from Martin Dubravka before his turn of pace saw Fabian Schar give away a yellow card on the break after 21 minutes.
Fulham lacked cohesion after manager Silva made seven changes from the XI that played in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup exit.
A great chance went begging for Newcastle when Alexander Isak rounded the keeper but failed to pull the trigger in time as the ball trickled out for a goal-kick.
But Newcastle breached Fulham’s defence as the hosts’ frailties continued into the 39th minute. Trippier tested the waters with another inswinging cross which seemed routine for Fulham to deal with.
Kenny Tete and Bobby De Cordova-Reid ran into each other instead of clearing their lines before the ball fell to Longstaff, who powered home from inside the area.
Silva turned to the bench in the form of the experienced Willian and the Brazilian swung the momentum in the Cottagers’ favour.
After the winger’s long-range goal was chalked off for offside, he enjoyed neat touches and exchanges around the Newcastle area as Silva’s side searched for an equaliser.
But it was the Magpies who punished the home side after they failed to clear their lines once again in the 61st minute.
Trippier’s corner found Sven Botman, whose header had too much power for Rodak keep hold of the ball. The Cottagers’ back-up keeper parried the ball into the path of Burn, who finished first-time from inside the six-yard area.