Newcastle 2 Fulham 1 and match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players

We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Newcastle 2 Fulham 1.

Newcastle battled to a victory they deserved and we find ourselves in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup yet again. It was by no means a vintage performance, and I felt there was a hangover from the Sunderland debacle.

The crowd was quite muted for much of the game and the players seemed to adopt a safety-first policy in the first half.

There were lots of sideways passes and backward passes, which says to me there were nerves out there.

In mitigation, we fielded a much-changed team, with a makeshift defence and an untried midfield combination, so maybe the players were unsure of their roles.

The mood was lifted with one of the few pieces of quality we managed first half. A sumptuous 50-yard pass from Schar to Murphy, a first time cross, and Wissa slotting home on his debut.

This being Newcastle, of course, we allowed Fulham to equalise five minutes later. Someone who knows more about football than I do will have to explain just how Lukic was given the freedom of our penalty area, and how he was so easily found. My interpretation is that four or five of our players switched off; a catalogue of errors.

The first half was a fairly even affair overall but Newcastle were the better side in the second. Much more control, a few promising passages of play, but little in the way of clear-cut chances.

Things changed when the subs came on – specifically Sandro Tonali. He burned 90 minutes’ worth of energy in his 20-minute cameo, had a galvanising effect on his teammates, and helped to quadruple the decibel level inside St James Park.

But despite Newcastle’s dominance, the game looked to be heading to penalties. Or our customary concession of a last-minute goal.

But blow me down, Newcastle did to Fulham what so many have done to us this season. We scored a 92nd-minute winner from a most unlikely source. The relief was palpable.

Of course, the downer was the injury to Tino. I think that means we have him, Hall, Botman, Burn, Krafth and Trippier out of our defence, with Lascelles training but not match-fit.

Quite how we’ll line up against Chelsea I do not know. But let’s enjoy this win for now.

Aaron Ramsdale 7

Played OK, although in truth he had very little to do.

I don’t think he could be blamed for the goal. Thereafter he just had to pluck crosses out of the air and he did that well.

Lewis Miley 8

Let’s give him Player of the Match.

Nineteen years old, played out of position for 90 minutes, did so with discipline, and scored the winner in extra time.

Sure, he made a couple of poor decisions, but so did most of his teammates.

Malick Thiaw 8

Back on form after a couple of unconvincing displays.

Too quick for the Fulham attack and not afraid to take the ball up the park.

Fabian Schar 7

Decent game for Fab, including setting up our first with a trademark crossfield pass.

Pity he has to play on the left side of the defence because it means he takes the ball on his weaker foot.

His right is the weapon.

Tino Livramento 7

Back at left back, which some Geordies think is his best position.

Had a canny game, drifting into midfield when he had to and trying to influence things.

I wish he was more confident on his left foot but that’s all a bit moot now.

He picked up what looked like a knee injury and I’m guessing we won’t see him again for a while.

Joe Willock 6

I thought he was one of our better players in the first half – he was more energetic than many.

But he faded in the second and was hooked. An average display.

Bruno Guimaraes 8

Newcastle are suffering from a dip in form lately but our captain seems to be trying to lift things on his own sometimes.

He was about the only player trying to pass forward in the first half and my only concern is that he’ll burn himself out.

He’s trying to do everything…

Jacob Ramsey 6.5

Looked at home in the midfield; combative, composed and disciplined.

He will be happy with his shift, even if he didn’t do anything memorable. Solid.

Jacob Murphy 6

A few good crosses into the box, one of which led to our first goal. Gave the ball away a few times, and failed to track his man for Fulham’s goal. Just about merited his inclusion over Elanga

Yoane Wissa 8

A poacher’s goal, and a few runs in behind the Fulham defence, which his team mates failed to spot.

Didn’t see a lot of the ball but we pay him to score goals.

Will improve once his teammates get used to him and his fitness improves

Harvey Barnes 6

A workmanlike display but little in the way of quality to give him more than a 6.

Was probably playing his best when he was subbed off.

SUBS

Sandro Tonali 8

Cometh the hour… I thought Sandro had a transformative effect on the team and the crowd.

He hasn’t been at his best in recent weeks but he reminded us just how good he can be last night.

Won just about every ball, chased Fulham all over the park, and provided an assist at the death.

If some want to give him Player of the Match, I won’t complain. And he was only on the pitch for 20 minutes!

Nick Woltemade 6

Played well, in my opinion.

The events of Sunday seem to be behind him – he looked sharp and enthusiastic.

Alex Murphy 6

On for Tino at 1-1, and was no doubt feeling nervous, especially given our recent history of conceding late goals.

But he did everything correctly – kept it simple, held his position and looked at home.

Given our injury list, I reckon we’ll be seeing more of the lad.

Anthony Gordon N/A

Not on long enough to mark but I would say he showed energy and purpose. Keen to do his bit.

Anthony Elanga N/A

Not on long enough to judge.

Newcastle 2 Fulham 1 – Wednesday 17 December 2025 8.15pm

Match Stats

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Wissa 10,  Miley 90+2

Fulham:

Lukic 16

Possession was Newcastle 61% Fulham 39%

Total shots were Newcastle 14 Fulham 6

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 Fulham 3

Corners were Newcastle 5 Fulham 5

Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 36 Fulham 15

Newcastle team v Fulham:

Ramsdale, Livramento (Alex Murphy 76), Thiaw, Schar, Ramsey, Willock (Tonali 72), Miley, Bruno, Jacob Murphy(Elanga 85), Barnes (Gordon 85), Wissa (Woltemade 72)

Unused subs:

Ruddy, Joelinton, Shahar, Neave