Monday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/21...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Sunday
West Ham	2-1	Spurs
Villa	1-2	Leicester
Arsenal	0-1	Man City
Man Utd	3-1	Newcastle

[WhiteJC]

Jack and Loz Not at the Cottage - Blog 168
Date: 20th February 2021

Opposition: Sheffield United

Score: 1-0

Goal scorer: Ademola Lookman

MOTM: Lookman's goal was both a victory for perseverance over frustration and a rare moment of artistry in a brutal encounter. A massive shout out to Andersen for his pin point long pass for the assist and his leadership under pressure

Dinner: Loz - prawn linguine and Cav's Sav; Jack - veggie pasta and Pinot Grigio

For most people, the words 'Great Escape' in 2021 are going to mean finally getting to go on holiday again - cocktails by the pool, shopping in New York, culture in Paris, fish and chips on a windswept beach - but for Fulham fans it's beginning to look like they might mean something else as well.

Even before Fulham crossed swords with Sheffield United at home on Saturday evening, it had been a good week for the Travelling Cottagers with the historic win at Everton and the somewhat historic draw at Burnley. But these good results would mean little if they weren't backed up by victory over the Blades.

In other words, Saturday's match was a Must Win Game.

Matches which mean so much are rarely easy on the eye. This one was scrappy and chaotic and desperate at times. The Fulham players had by far the best of the ball but were trying so hard to make things happen that they were misplacing passes and wasting shots. They dominated, but couldn't break through.

We were pleased to see that Scott had refreshed the line up with the return of Frank and Antonee but that'd he'd retained the profitable four at the back formation. The defence was solid but not quite at its best - Antonee looked nervous and Tosin tentative although Andersen was as composed and commanding as ever and Aina was in the right place at the right time in both attack and defence (although he needs to stick to scoring with his tummy - his feet just aren't as accurate).

Unsurprisingly, the battle ground of a midfield suited both Harrison Reed, mopping up the spoils and Frank, snatching the ball and charging forwards, humiliating anyone who got in his way with his sublime skills. For some reason, those skills don't include shooting and his first Fulham goal looks some way away.

He wasn't alone in the wayward shooting stakes. The players had clearly been ordered to shoot on sight but had misinterpreted the instruction to shoot wide, high or straight at the goalkeeper. Even Lookman continued with his tactic of taking the ball into the box then not knowing what to do with it while RLC (who made good use of his physicality again) morphed back into Ruben Offthe-Line.

It began to look like one of those matches where we had all the possession, all the territory, all the shots and nothing to show for it. United defended well but we didn't make it difficult for them. Long shots didn't work, corners didn't work, passing the ball around in the box didn't work (not that it ever does). Maja's positioning and movement were good but the ball rarely reached him.

But Lookman, still on his quest for redemption, kept plugging away. His goal wasn't quite a moment of individual brilliant because in some ways Andersen's pass was even better than the shot but it was an exquisite strike and nothing less than he and the team deserved.

Of course, we all know that one Fulham goal isn't always enough and United were as dangerous as a wounded animal and more than capable of snatching a goal at the death. It became more and more evident that a second Fulham goal wasn't going to come and that the match could end in a disappointing draw. But Alphonse Areola, who could have spent most of the game booking his summer great escape, made sure it didn't.

Lemina (who had only just come on) stupidly gave away a free kick in a perilous position. The Blades made the most of it and came within inches of scoring but Areola, as fearless as he is decisive, cleared the danger risking life and limb in the process. It is a mark of how little there was to talk about during the game that the "commentators" and "pundits" had to debate whether or not a goal keeper simply doing his job had given away a penalty. Areola got the ball and the fact that his momentum carried him into the Blades player is irrelevant. What was he supposed to do - shove the ball away then levitate?

The fourth official had apparently had an out of body experience during the match which meant he thought 7 minutes of time had been lost. 7 minutes! For watching Fulham fans it was like doing a 7 minute plank - painful and stress inducing. Things got nervy on the pitch with some random clearances and more less than clinical shots from Lemina and RLC but panic didn't set in and the team held on.

Once again we saw how this group of players is willing to lay it all on the line to survive and how Scott Parker is motivating them to do so. Game management became something of a speciality of his during the Championship run in and he is drawing on that experience now as the matches become more difficult and ever more crucial. This was a Must Win Game and we won it, not with our usual grace and style, but with guts and team spirit.

Random musings:-

- Lemina looked very dapper in his beanie hat. Scott's not just coaching the team at football

- how did Frank get the first yellow card of the game when there had been some far worse challenges by the Blades before it?

- you could see how much the win meant to Scott in the one moment of passionate jubilation he allowed himself before immediately controlling it and going to commiserate with the United bench

This was not a decisive or an attractive win but it was a hugely important one. It has taken us to 3 points from safety on a wave of momentum which will sweep us into the harder matches to come. Scott and his team think they can survive. Nothing is yet certain and, inevitably, the fight will go down to the wire. But now we have a chance.

We are Fulham Football Club. And we Still Believe.



https://werdsmith.com/p/F6pZ6yVa3WP7z

[WhiteJC]

Parker reveals formula that could keep Fulham in the Premier League

Fulham boss Scott Parker hailed his side's ability to stay on message after their vital 1-0 victory over Sheffield United on Saturday.

Ademola Lookman bagged the only goal of the game just after the hour mark. The former England Under-21 star controlled Joachim Andersen's excellent pass before drilling his shot past Aaron Ramsdale.

The win ended a superb week for the Cottagers, with seven points from three games played. They beat Everton 2-0 last Sunday, drew 1-1 with Burnley on Wednesday before Saturday's three-pointer.

The results have moved the west Londoners to within three points of 17th-placed Newcastle United. From a seemingly hopeless position, they now have a real chance of avoiding relegation.

Brighton, in 16th spot and with 26 points, will also be in their sights. The Blades victory was only their second home success of the season, with the first coming in November.

And Parker was delighted that his men were able to carry out the game plan to claim a crucial win.

"I'm very proud of the team in terms of what I asked them tonight and what I've asked them this week to be quite honest with you," he said. "It's been a tough week in terms of the games we've had to play, the travel we've had to do and I think we all understood tonight what this game was and what it was about."

Internal focus reaping rewards

There has been a lot of negativity surrounding the club this season with the way things have panned out. Having come up via the play-offs they were among the favourites for immediate relegation.

But, despite losing eight of their first 11 top-flight games, there is now a real sense that survival is a possibility. Ten draws has boosted their points tally but taking all three points is essential if they are to overhaul the Magpies.

And Parker has revealed his method for helping his charges deal with the pressure of such an important game.

He added: "I'm very proud that the message to the team before the game was us, let's focus on us, let's not listen to the noise that's been created around this game, because throughout this year there's been one sole focus and that's been us.

"That's been my constant message. I know with that, and us showing our quality and our freedom we'll get results really and I think that was proven tonight."



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/parker-formula-fulham-premier-league

[WhiteJC]

Tosin: Massive Week

Tosin Adarabioyo was both ecstatic and relieved to secure a much-needed three points against Sheffield United.

Ademola Lookman's powerful drive was enough to record a second win in a week and Adarabioyo was proud of the grit his team showed.

"It was really massive, he admitted. "We all did fantastic. We know where we are in the league and where we want to get to, and those three points are a big step in that direction.

"It's one of the turning points to our season. There's been a few, we've been on a good run of form with two wins and two draws. We've found some identity and confidence so this could be one turning point, but I think we've had one already. Hopefully we can continue to chip away."

Fulham can enjoy a rest period with the Crystal Palace test scheduled to take place in a week's time. The last seven days have been massive for Scott Parker's team and Adarabioyo knows that.

"Seven points in a week is massive. We've come out of a three-game week so to see us unbeaten is huge for us.

"Palace coming up is a massive game, it's another game to look forward to, we'll try and get some points out of it and keep moving in the right direction."

The central defender wants to block out the external noise of playing down his side's chances and continue to focus on inner improvement.

"That's down to them what they want to believe in terms of our survival chances," he stated. "I hope our fans fully believe we can do it after seeing us play. The outside world and media, that's down to them to say what they want. We've shown more than enough to demonstrate we're capable of doing that.

"We know what we've got left of the season and we'll look to get the job done."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/february/Tosin-Massive-Week/

[WhiteJC]

Adarabioyo acclaims 'massive' week

Tosin Adarabioyo believes the last week could mark a 'massive' turning point in Fulham's season after the Whites picked up seven points from three games to move within a win of safety.

The central defender was delighted with another solid display against Sheffield United last night that capped off a brilliant seven days for Scott Parker's side. Ademola Lookman's winner against the Blades followed a battling point at Burnley and a surprise success at Goodison Park. Adarabioyo told the Fulham website that the enormity of beating the bottom side at Craven Cottage was not lost on the squad:

"It was really massive. We all did fantastic. We know where we are in the league and where we want to get to, and those three points are a big step in that direction. It's one of the turning points to our season. There's been a few, we've been on a good run of form with two wins and two draws. We've found some identity and confidence so this could be one turning point, but I think we've had one already. Hopefully we can continue to chip away.

"Seven points in a week is massive. We've come out of a three-game week so to see us unbeaten is huge for us. Palace coming up is a massive game, it's another game to look forward to, we'll try and get some points out of it and keep moving in the right direction."

Adarabioyo admitted that he will be trying to ignore the views of the pundits and talking heads in order to focus on the task at hand – preparing for another crucial clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next Sunday.

I hope our fans fully believe we can do it after seeing us play. The outside world and media, that's down to them to say what they want. We've shown more than enough to demonstrate we're capable of doing that. We know what we've got left of the season and we'll look to get the job done.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/02/adarabioyo-acclaims-massive-week/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham star fires coming to get you warning at Brighton after Sheffield United win
Tosin Adarabioyo has fired a warning to Brighton & Hove Albion and their relegation rivals.

Fulham defeated Sheffield United on Saturday and have now taken seven points from their last three fixtures, leaving the London club just six points behind Brighton in 16th position.

Graham Potter's side still have a game in hand on the 18th-placed Cottagers but that could quickly evaporate with just 12 games remaining.

"It was really massive, Adarabioyo admitted after Fulham's win against Sheffield United. "We all did fantastic. We know where we are in the league and where we want to get to, and those three points are a big step in that direction.

"It's one of the turning points to our season. There's been a few, we've been on a good run of form with two wins and two draws. We've found some identity and confidence so this could be one turning point, but I think we've had one already. Hopefully, we can continue to chip away."

"Seven points in a week is massive. We've come out of a three-game week so to see us unbeaten is huge for us.

Fulham are next in action against Crystal Palace whilst, who are Brighton's opponents today, with the Seagulls set to face West Brom next weekend.

"Palace coming up is a massive game, it's another game to look forward to, we'll try and get some points out of it and keep moving in the right direction."

Fulham have now picked up eight points from their last four games and have given themselves a chance of survival heading into the final 13 matches.

However, Adarabioyo is determined to prove those doubting Scott Parker and Fulham's chances of escaping relegation wrong.

"That's down to them what they want to believe in terms of our survival chances," he stated. "I hope our fans fully believe we can do it after seeing us play. The outside world and media, that's down to them to say what they want. We've shown more than enough to demonstrate we're capable of doing that.

"We know what we've got left of the season and we'll look to get the job done."



https://www.brightonandhoveindependent.co.uk/sport/football/brighton-and-hove-albion/fulham-star-fires-coming-to-get-you-warning-at-brighton-after-sheffield-united-win-3141671

[WhiteJC]

FPL Saturday review: Fulham in form for good run

Aina and Lookman impress heading into run of five matches in next four Gameweeks

A 1-0 win over Sheffield United highlighted Fulham's Fantasy Premier League potential at both ends of the pitch heading into a strong schedule.

Fulham have kept three clean sheets in their last four matches, with Ola Aina (£4.5m) the star performer at the back.

Fresh from his 20-point haul in Double Gameweek 24, Aina collected two bonus points against Sheff Utd to go with his clean sheet.

He has returned 28 points across the last two Gameweeks, yet is owned by only 1.0 per cent of managers ahead of a kind run of opponents.

While Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester City are among Fulham's next four opponents, the Cottagers are one of only three teams who have two fixtures in Gameweek 26 and also play in Gameweek 29. The others are Aston Villa and Spurs.

Fulham winger Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) can also offer major value.

After an 11-point haul against Sheff Utd, he is now the highest-scoring FPL midfielder priced at £5.0m or under.

Since making his debut in Gameweek 4, Lookman's 52 shots and 40 chances created are both more than any team-mate.

Calvert-Lewin in demand for Double

Everton duo Richarlison (£7.9m) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£7.6m) were the only forwards in Fantasy to produce attacking returns on Saturday.

Richarlison opened the scoring at Liverpool before substitute Calvert-Lewin claimed an FPL assist for Gylfi Sigurdsson's (£6.8m) late penalty.

Calvert-Lewin's return to fitness has made a big impact on managers' plans ahead of his Double Gameweek 26 against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.

He is the second most-bought player in the Gameweek, earning more than 55,000 new owners.
Minamino and Mount strike again

Midfielders Takumi Minamino (£6.0m) and Mason Mount (£6.8m) both scored for the second time in the last three Gameweeks as Southampton drew 1-1 with Chelsea.

Southampton's Minamino proved a huge differential in the first match of their Double Gameweek 25.

Owned by a mere 0.6 per cent of squads, the on-loan winger claimed nine points ahead of his visit to Leeds United on Tuesday.

Mount, meanwhile, benefited from the absence of Chelsea's first-choice penalty-taker, Jorginho (£4.7m), at St Mary's Stadium.

He won and converted his side's equaliser from the spot, claiming 10 points in Fantasy.

Chelsea also have a Double Gameweek 26 to follow, facing Manchester United and Liverpool.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2038085

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-0 Sheffield United: Player ratings

In perhaps the most pivotal match of the season, Scott Parker's side grabbed a precious three points against Sheffield United last night – emerging from a nervy ninety minutes with the narrowest of advantages courtesy of Ademola Lookman's second half strike. This was only Fulham's fourth league win of the season but it offers the Whites some serious momentum at just the right time and lifts them to within three points of safety.

The Blades, despite a debilitating injury crisis were still resolute and tricky to break down, played a 5-3-2 formation as they looked to sit incredibly deep in their own half the back five lined up across their own penalty area. This was a ploy that would render Fulham's counterattacking strength academic. Instead, it was designed to entice Parker's men forwards to try and break them down with slower passing moves around Wilder's charges, who would simply wait for someone to make a mistake before charging forward via their speedy wing backs and and two centre forwards who spent most of the game waiting by the half way line. This did cause a few problems for Fulham, when caught with the bare minimum defenders ready to stop a counter-attack, however, for the most part, Fulham's back line was relatively undisturbed.

The talking point from the first half was a Fulham counter-attack which started when Ampadu attempted a cross into the Fulham box, which was cleared by Reed into the path of Loftus-Cheek, who took a few steps before passing the ball to Nigerian international Ademola Lookman. The left-sided winger then went on a run from halfway-down the Fulham half to the right-hand side of the half-way line before placing a perfectly balanced through ball into the path of Ivan Cavaleiro on the right hand side. The Portugese winger ran onto this ball, meeting it in the space between the box and the touchline on the right. He dribbled into the Sheffield United box and attempted to shoot from a tight angle from the right side of the goal, with his shot tipped over the bar by Aaron Ramsdale.

In the turgid, slow and relatively uninteresting game of football, which was definitely not one for the neutrals, Fulham's first half nerves were cooled after Ademola Lookman's goal in the 61st minute. In fact, this goal did not come from the slow attempt to break down Sheffield United's deep defence, but instead the White's were able to catch the Blades at a vulnerable moment as their attempted attack broke down. Therefore, the Cottagers were able to counterattack the Cutlers via a long ball from Andersen which went over the top of Sheffield United's hardworking midfield and their defensive line to reach Ademola Lookman on the left-hand side corner of the opposition box. Fulham were able to by-pass the 5-3-2 system, which hadn't allowed for much creativity, as Lookman took the ball down onto his chest, took a few steps further before taking the ball past Ampadu, into the centre of the box, and blasting the ball through Ramsdale's legs into the goal.

To their immense credit, Sheffield United kept Fulham's fans on the edge of their seat until the very last. They pushed forward pumping balls in the box but their clearest opening came from a wonderfully worked move. Basham brilliantly found McBurnie in the middle of the field, who neatly controlled the ball and poked it onto Billy Sharp on the edge of the Fulham box. Sharp then laid a neat through ball onto the path of Enda Stevens, who's effort from the mid-left of the box was thankfully parried away by Alphonse Areola.

Aina nearly made it 2-0 for London's Originals with another long shot, something that is becoming quite the trend for the versatile Nigerian defender. The move was started by Anguissa on the left wing, who placed the ball into the feet of Ademola Lookman on the edge of the opposition box. Lookman, being pressed by opposition defenders from both behind and to his left, managed to smoothly dribble around both of their challanges and lay the ball of to Loftus-Cheek. The Chelsea man, with his back to the goal, took a few steps before turning to his left and passing to Ola Aina who was in a pocket of space on the right side of the pitch. Aina then met the ball and saw his opportunity to shoot from range, with his powerful, dipping shot headed for the centre of the Hammersmith End goal, before Ramsdale got his right hand to the ball and slapped it over the bar.

This was Fulham's first real chance which wasn't from a counter-attack, showing just how hard it was to break down the side from Sheffield, who placed all eight of their defenders and midfielders around the box to block any creativity. Therefore, a long shot can be the easiest way to break this low block, even if they offer a worse quality goal scoring chance than a shot from inside the box. Perhaps Fulham should have taken more long shots to not only try and score but to also force Wilder' men to adapt and start to press more to prevent this, which could have opened up more creative opportunities as their defence is dragged out of position a little more. However, Parker seemingly sent his side out to play with a higher tempo in the second half, which did create more chances for the Whites, including the goal.

Sheffield United made one last push to take a share of the points via a free kick in added time. As Fleck stood over the ball to the left hand side of the Fulham box, the commentator stated that this could be "the most painful two points dropped of the whole campaign, if Sheffield United were to score now", and he certainly wasn't wrong. The Scot put the free kick into the box, with the ball curving around to meet Loftus-Cheek's head at the far post. This headed ball ten found the head of substitute Kenny Tete, with the resulting header bobbling towards Alphonse Areola in the Putney End net. As Areola hurtled towards the ball to gather it up, Bogle saw his chance to get an equaliser and also ran to meet the ball. Instead, Bogle's touch on the ball took it from where the Frenchman was swinging his leg to clear the ball, with his kicking leg instead hitting Bogle in the legs. However, before Areola's leg met Bogle's, the goalkeeper's left leg reached the ball and taken it clear of the wing-back. In what can only be described as a 50/50 challenge by both players, in which both also put their body on the line, both then went down in agony and both clutching their legs. Thankfully, for Fulham, the visitors' penalty appeals were then dispelled by VAR, which from my perspective is only fair given the 50/50 nature of the challenge.

What did you think of the match and the last minute incident?

Match Stats:

Possession:
Fulham: 65.1%, Sheffield United: 34.9%
Shots:
Fulham: 15, Sheffield United: 4
Shots on target:
Fulham: 7, Sheffield United: 2
Expected Goals:
Fulham: 1.21, Sheffield United: 0.98
Tackles:
Fulham: 6, Sheffield United: 20
Offsides:
Fulham: 1, Sheffield United: 3
Corners:
Fulham: 6, Sheffield United: 4

Player Ratings:

Fulham: Areola (8), Aina (7), Andersen (8), Adarabioyo (7), Robinson (7), Reed (7), Anguissa (7), Lookman (8), Loftus-Cheek (7), Cavaleiro (7), Maja (6).
Subs: Tete (6), Lemina (6), Reid (6).
Sheffield United: Ramsdale (7), Baldock (6), Basham (6), Jagieka (6), Bryan (6), Stevens (6), Ampadu (5), Fleck (6), Lundstram (5), Sharp (6), McBurnie (5).
Subs: Norwood (6), McGoldrick (6), Bogle (6).
Man of the match: Ademola Lookman.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/02/fulham-1-0-sheffield-united-player-ratings/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham could borrow their way to Premier League safety with loanees Ademola Lookman, Joachim Andersen and Alphonse Areola leading the Cottagers' survival bid

    Fulham beat Sheffield United 1-0 to secure a key victory in their relegation battle
    After spending £100million last time, Fulham are making shrewd loan moves
    Even if the Cottagers go down they will be in a better financial place as a result

A loanee scored, a loanee assisted, and a loanee saved all of Sheffield United's late attempts at salvaging a draw. Scott Parker's Fulham may well borrow their way to safety this season.

Parker secured his biggest Premier League win using players on loan from seven clubs. The last time Fulham were promoted, they spent big then dropped straight back down.

'The worst £100million ever spent,' one headline read following relegation. They didn't want to make the same mistake. What's admirable is how these loanees have shown they care about the cause.


Fulham boss Scott Parker (centre) has made some shrewd loan moves to boost his survival bid

They don't look like passers-by who joined for the promise of a plush Hammersmith apartment by the Thames, paid for by the club. They look like they want Parker to remain a Premier League manager. Credit must go to Parker for that, and for getting on board with this Fulham model.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Ola Aina is on loan from Torino. Joachim Andersen is from Lyon, Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea, Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig, and Josh Maja from Bordeaux.

Mario Lemina, on loan from Southampton, came off the bench on Saturday as Fulham won their must-win match. It was Andersen who launched a long ball to Lookman after 60 minutes for Fulham to finally beat the Blades.

Chris Wilder's side were defending in numbers but Lookman barged his way beyond Ethan Ampadu to score. It left Fulham within touching distance of safety.


Joachim Andersen was instrumental in the Cottagers' crucial 1-0 win against Sheffield United

Parker said: 'When you have young players who want to get better, players who want to prove themselves in this division, it makes life much easier for me.'

For Sheffield United, the writing is on the wall, and Wilder knows it.

He spent most of his post-match press conference complaining about a penalty which was not awarded in the dying moments after Fulham goalkeeper Areola collided with Jayden Bogle.

VAR decided Areola got the ball. He did, but he could also have broken Bogle's leg.


Fulham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola (left) was lucky not to give away a penalty for a foul

Wilder said the Premier League don't care about his team or their complaints because they are on their way out of the division. 'They're not that bothered —nobody's bothered about us,' Wilder said.

'The only person who's bothered about Sheffield United is me when we come on to those meetings. Me, and the people involved in the football club. Nobody's bothered.

'But for the life of me I'm telling you, there will be some comment and debate and discussion of moaning and groaning if that happens to one of the big boys.

'I'm just delighted that Jayden is getting back on the coach.'


Ademola Lookman scored the game's only goal to earn victory for relegation-threatened side



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9284619/Fulham-borrow-way-Premier-League-safety-Ademola-Lookman-performing-superbly.html

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Post Match Show: Fulham's 1-0 Victory Against Sheffield United

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

This is our post match show of Fulham's 1-0 victory against Sheffield United.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2021/2/21/22294351/cottage-talk-post-match-show-fulhams-1-0-victory-against-sheffield-united

[WhiteJC]

Steve Bruce 'convinced' Newcastle will avoid relegation

Boss Steve Bruce is "convinced" Newcastle will avoid Premier League relegation despite losing at Manchester United - an eighth defeat in 10 games.

Successive losses for the Magpies mean they are three points clear of the drop zone, while 18th-placed Fulham have earned seven points in a week.

"Fulham have had a good week and won a couple of games, which at the bottom end of the table is big," Bruce said.

"My message to the supporters is that I'm convinced we'll be OK."

Following a win over Southampton two weeks ago, which came shortly after victory at Everton, Newcastle were 10 points clear of the bottom three.

But that game proved costly when Newcastle lost top-scorer Callum Wilson to a hamstring injury and there were further injury blows to defenders Fabian Schar and Javier Manquillo.

Forward Joelinton suffered what Bruce described as a "groin or hip problem" in the second half of the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford, during which Allan Saint-Maximin scored his first goal since returning from a two-month absence because of coronavirus symptoms.

After a positive performance for the first hour of the game, Bruce called Joelinton's 55th-minute substitution "the big turning point" and said he hoped "it's not too serious".

Bruce says he understands why fans might be "anxious" about the team's position in the table, particularly after a week in which Fulham have won twice and drawn once.

Newcastle were last relegated in the 2015-16 season but bounced back to win the Championship a year later.

Asked if it was a gloomy situation, Bruce replied: "I agree with you, it's gloomy, but I was pleased with the performance today, especially in the first hour, but you have to turn those performances into results and I'm still quietly confident we will get the results we need.

"Of course fans don't want to see their team at the wrong end of the table, I understand that totally. We have a unique fan base which makes us the club we have got, and of course they are anxious."

Next four or five games are Newcastle's season - Shearer
Newcastle next host Wolves on Saturday, 27 February before games against West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa and Brighton.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes how they perform in those matches could be season-defining.

"They are missing their best player in terms of their goal threat in Callum Wilson," he said on Match of the Day 2.

"The next four or five games are Newcastle's season, particularly with the form they are in."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56149961