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Newcastle United travelled to Craven Cottage hoping to bounce back from their late draw against Everton on Tuesday night in a match the Magpies led for over 70 minutes before having to share the spoils. Craven Cottage has been a fairly happy hunting ground for the Magpies in recent times and they had already tasted victory on this ground this season.
However, it was the hosts who had the better of the opening stages and saw early efforts from Willian and Joao Palhinha go narrowly wide. The Magpies gradually got themselves into the contest but failed to test Bernd Leno in the opening half-an-hour with Martin Dubravka much the busier goalkeeper.
Two efforts from Anthony Gordon went wide of the post but Newcastle never really looked like scoring for the majority of the half. A poor first-half showing was compounded when Joe Willock limped off injured after 40 minutes to be replaced by Elliot Anderson.
Here are our first-half ratings from Newcastle United’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage:
9. Jacob Murphy - 5
Sloppy in possession at times. Was caught on the ball and gave it away cheaply on a couple of occasions. Couldn’t really get himself into the game and was replaced by Barnes in the 65th minute. | Getty Images
10. Alexander Isak - 5
Had very little service in the first half and was unable to capitalise on what service he did get. Had a very quiet second half as well. | Getty Images
11. Anthony Gordon - 7
Saw an effort flash wide of Leno’s goal in what was Newcastle’s first shot of the afternoon in the 35th minute. Had another go narrowly wide of the opposite post. Was lively at times down the left but like his teammates in attack struggled for service in the first 45. Newcastle’s best outfield player in the first half. Started the second well and saw a great curling effort saved by Leno. Could be guilty of wasting chances at times but overall a very bright performance. | Getty Images
