Newcastle 2-1 Fulham

&c

For once this season a late home goal went our favour, as captain Bruno forced home a last minute winner against Fulham to cover up another poor league display.

We started brightly, Woltemade and Murphy both hitting the post in the opening six minutes, and as the game started to even out the latter robbed a Fulham defender, strode forward and confidently finished.

A penny for Elanga's thoughts with Murphy putting in two very strong displays in two games - though I do like Elanga and think he'll come good.

The spot seems to be Murphy's to lose again for now.

And a few minutes after his goal, he arguably should have had a second, seeing an identical chance saved by Leno.

That was about as good as it got for Newcastle until the inevitable equaliser, as we fell yet again into the frustrating passivity that's been a symbol of our league performances this season.

And sure enough, Fulham were only too happy to capitalise, pushing and pressuring until the 56th minute brought their goal.

Credit where it's due however, and with thanks to the genuine strength we were able to bring off the bench, we upped our game, but when Bruno 50p headed a lovely Gordon cross wide (after some great feet from Woltemade) it looked like it wasn't going to be our game.

The late introduction of agent of chaos Will Osula, however, was the catalyst for a late winner, as the Dane careened towards the Fulham defence before getting a shot away that was spilled into the area by Leno.

As Tonali jostled to keep a defender out of the way, Bruno steamed in to slam the ball home before indulging in wild celebrations with the fans in the corner.

This report has been fairly negative for a win that gave us the same record as we had at this stage last season (W3 D3 L3) despite our European adventures so let's end with a celebration of Bruno.

With his whole family in the stands, and the roots he's put down in our beloved region, the way he talks about the club and the fans, and the way he gives every fibre of his being every time he steps out on the pitch in a Newcastle shirt, the guy is an all time Newcastle legend.

Now let's focus on retaining our trophy when we welcome Spurs on Wednesday.