Fulham 0-2 Newcastle: Willock in the shopping list

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce says he hopes some of his team’s critics will “eat up the pie and give them credit” after winning the recently demolished Fulham when the Magpies finish the season in 12th place.

Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock has scored in the seventh game in a row. Equal to Alan Shearer‘s club record. Newcastle matches their best in the Premier League since being promoted in 2017.

“We can never say it was a success to finish 12th in the team for our position,” said Bruce. “But I’m happy with how we ended the season.

“While we desperately needed the results, the players and staff worked hard to change it.”

Willock’s opening was a good one, robbing him of his moment. Before earning a profit from a lucky strike in the bottom corner.

Fulham huffed and puffed in front of their 2,000 fans. But they rarely bothered Martin Dubravka with an away goal. 

And their afternoon, they were summed up by Ivan Cavaleiro signing up for his favor.

This 12-goal absence at home confirms Scott Parker’s side take the record. The few home goals scored in the Premier League season nine from Manchester City (2006-07) and Huddersfield (2018-19).

For Newcastle, late Fenian Schar scored his fifth goal in eight games.

Willock in the shopping list

A tough defeat at Brighton on March 20 left Newcastle in 17th place, just two points above Fulham. The champions felt the last day’s game was a decision to postpone.

But Willock’s impressive scoring form means they finish the season with 17 points and three points lower.

The permanent signing of Willock from Arsenal should be a priority this summer. With club history, Alan Shearer calls on Newcastle to “disband the bank” to finalize the deal.

Although St James’ Park and its owner Mike Ashley are still unpopular with many fans and the late peace speech, all is not well.

The judge is also out for Bruce, who presides over two similar campaigns, playing with the love of humiliation. Before the spring recovery to settle in the middle of the table.

They have been comfortable here with the Fulham side, who have given less. But it will need more consolidation. 

And keep critical players like Allan Saint-Maximin and top scorer Callum Wilson ready if the ten push-tops are considered a reality next season.

Summer of uncertainty for Fulham 

Fulham enters the summer thinking about life in a different category for the fourth year in a row.

Parker has sometimes brought a solid impression to Fulham. At least compared to their last failed attempt to stay in the Premier League. But it still ends with the same result.

And with seven lenders returning to their parent clubs, the playing staff look set to re-emerge this summer.

After the game, Parker admitted: “It’s a great summer for us. There are big decisions to be made, and we need to make sure we do the right thing.”

Doubts also continue with his future, given that he has been linked with a move to Tottenham. And there have been reports of disputes with Fulham management.

Whether Parker stays or not, the core of their promotional side remains strong. And will be strengthened by the parachute payments that come with the descent to the second stage.

There is also the emergence of many talents at Fulham academy. Their under-18 team recently won a series of Premier League South titles.

But there is nothing hidden in those shocking scoring statistics—no shooting aimed at this. A tragic run of two points in nine games to end a season could create a lasting impression.

What they say

Bruce hopes to keep Joe Willock: “I’m not very happy with him. He’s done very well. We’ll try our best to keep him, but we have to respect him for being an Arsenal player.”

Fulham manager Parker: “It’s just been a summary of our season. We’ve done well in the short term. But we’ve lacked a good edge and quality for this division.”