Fulham secured a 3-1 win over Newcastle thanks to goals from Raul Jimenez, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson at Craven Cottage.
Marco Silva’s side took the lead within the first five minutes after Jimenez produced a superb strike on the turn to find the back of the net, before Smith Rowe scored 17 minutes later.
The Magpies did get a consolation goal through Harvey Barnes but it wasn’t enough to prevent their first defeat of the season.
In the final moments of the match, substitute Nelson wrapped up the win with a strike in added time and secured all three points for the hosts.
Here, Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE provides player ratings for Eddie Howe’s side.
Raul Jimenez (middle) opened the scoring for Fulham as they beat Newcastle 3-1 on Saturday
Emile Smith Rowe (middle) doubled their lead in the 22nd minute of the match
Despite Harvey Barnes’ second half strike, Newcastle couldn’t mount a comeback on the day
Eddie Howe’s side suffered their first defeat of the season after their visit to Craven Cottage
Newcastle ratings
Nick Pope – 4.5
Howler for Fulham second – what was he thinking as ball slipped through palm? Huge save early in second half to keep his side in the game, but error proved costly.
Kieran Trippier – 5
Barely got past halfway in first half and attacking threat was not there. Looks short of fitness on first league start of season.
Fabian Schar – 4.5
So soft for Jimenez opener when standing off and allowing striker to turn and finish. Also guilty of huge miss when doing well to steal ball and find himself clear before finding side-netting at 2-1.
Dan Burn – 5
Not a great return to former club and was given the runaround at times. Steadied second half but was left exposed by poor midfield display in front of him.
Lloyd Kelly – 4.5
Struggled against Traore and has not enjoyed the best of starts to Newcastle career. Left-back spot is up for grabs, but he hasn’t convinced yet. Hooked at break.
Nick Pope (right) produced a costly howler to allow Emile Smith Rowe’s strike to go in
Joelinton – 4.5
Gave the ball away for opener and has looked out of sorts since midfield masterclass on first weekend of season. Passing is sloppy and failing to impose himself.
Bruno Guimaraes – 4
Poor form continues and a miserable afternoon capped by gifting Fulham their third in stoppage-time. Doesn’t look fit and opposition midfield getting behind him with regularity and ease.
Joe Willock – 4.5
Was recalled to add legs to midfield but found himself watching Fulham run beyond him. Did not look himself and needs more games after long injury absence.
Anthony Gordon – 5.5
Played right, left and centre and didn’t look particularly comfortable in any until game became stretched second half. Was a threat then but should have scored when twisting clear at 2-1.
Alexander Isak – 4.5
Recovered from toe scare to feature but was isolated and looked short of peak level. A vastly diminished version of his brilliant self.
Harvey Barnes – 6.5
Super finish for goal and was the best of Newcastle’s attacking starters. Tired towards end but needs to stay in side now after recall.
Alexander Isak (right) struggled to have an impact as the Magpies chased the game
Harvey Barnes was was the best of Newcastle’s attacking starters on a disappointing afternoon
Substitutes
Lewis Hall (on for Kelly 46) 5.5
Some nice moments but touch also eluded him a couple of times.
Jacob Murphy (on for Willock 46) 6.5
Immediate impact in creating Barnes goal within 30 seconds of coming on.
Sandro Tonali (on for Joelinton 74) 5
Hardly involved. One decent free-kick that was saved late on.
Tino Livramento (on for Trippier 74) 5
New England squad member but form has been indifferent.
William Osula (on for Gordon 83) 5
Too late to impact and hardly got a kick.
Howe’s side lacked intensity and identity first half and were plagued by individual errors
Manager – Eddie Howe 5.5
His side lacked intensity and identity first half and were plagued by individual errors. His double change at break shifted momentum but defeat was deserved.
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno 6; Tete 7, Andersen 7.5, Bassey 7, Robinson 7; Lukic 6.5 (Berge 46, 6), Andreas 5.5 (Reed 67, 6); Traore 7 (Nelson 74, 6.5), Iwobi 6.5, Smith Rowe 7 (Diop 84); Jimenez 7 (Muniz 74, 6)
Subs: Benda, Castagne, Cairney, Sessegnon,
Manager: Marco Silva 7
Ref: Peter Bankes 7
MOM: Andersen
