As the 2018/19 Premier League season came to an end on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle bounced back from their dramatic loss to Liverpool last weekend and earned a sublime 4-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
9' - GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!! What a strike from Jonjo Shelvey! 1-0 to #NUFC! pic.twitter.com/AS4oKGH5Mn
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 12, 2019
Despite Fulham's best efforts to claw their way back into the game, in the second half the three points were capped off for the visitors through some excellent goals from Fabian Schar and Salomon Rondon.
FULHAM
Key Talking Point
Recently appointed as permanent manager, Scott Parker’s first game in charge resulted in a frustrating loss for his side as they failed to say goodbye to the Premier League with one last home victory.
Although they couldn't quite clinch the points on this occasion, throughout long periods of the game they looked the far better team in both midfield and attacking areas and were unfortunate to not inflict significant damage on Newcastle's defence.
Regardless, fans and critics should still be excited with the opportunities the squad are creating as they prepare for life in the Championship next season, the likes of Harvey Elliott looking to be exciting young prospects.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Rico (5); Christie (5), Mawson (6), Le Marchand (6), Bryan (6); Chambers (6), Anguissa (6), Ayite (5), Cairney (7*), Sessegnon (6); Mitrovic (6).
Substitutes: Babel (6), Elliott (6), Kebano (N/A)
STAR MAN - Tom Cairney looked bright for the hosts and spread play well to the likes of Ryan Sessegnon and Mitrovic. Although his side didn't seem to be quote up to scratch on Sunday, he played a fairly decent game for the Cottagers.
Newcastle
Key Talking Point
With speculation rife surrounding Rafa Benitez's future in charge of the Magpies, his squad are certainly playing as if they want him to stay.
A handful of fantastic, well worked goals from his side - as well as a rocket of a strike from Shelvey - were enough to steer Newcastle to another three points and end the 2018/19 season in style.
Although they were pinned on the back foot for long spells of the game, Newcastle fans will be happy to have seen their side cap off another solid Premier League campaign with a victory.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Dubravka (6); Hayden (6), Schar (6), Lascelles (7), Dummett (6), Ritchie (7); Perez (7), Shelvey (8*), Diame (6), Atsu (7); Rondon (7).
Substitutes: Muto (6), Hernandez (6), Kenedy (N/A)
Looking Ahead
Fulham have been relegated to the Championship and will start making preparations for their quest to return to the top flight.
Newcastle end the season in 13th position, and all eyes will be focused on the future of Benitez as the end of his contract draws closer.
Source: 90min