Newcastle 1-1 Fulham: Callum Wilson’s penalty earns hosts a point after Matt Richie’s own goal gave 10-man visitors the lead

Newcastle fought back to earn a valuable point against 10-man Fulham in a 1-1 draw at St James Park.

Callum Wilson levelled from the spot for the Magpies, after Joachim Andersen was controversially red carded for fouling the English striker. 

It was unclear as to whether the contact was made in or outside the box, but referee Graham Scott had the final say, sending Andersen off and awarding the spot-kick.

Fulham, who dominated for vast periods of the game, went ahead after a Tosin Adarabioyo flick on was diverted into the Newcastle net by Matt Ritchie. 

Throughout the first half Fulham looked effective down the left. So, it came as no great surprise when the corner, delivered by Ademola Lookman, caused panic in the box and eventually ended up in the back of the net.

Newcastle, still recovering from the effects of a COVID-19 outbreak at their training ground, looked to be struggling and were outplayed by Fulham. They came into the game off the back of two good draws against Liverpool last weekend and Brighton on Wednesday.

Newcastle did go close in the first-half through Paraguayan Miguel Almiron, but on-loan PSG keeper Alphonse Areola got down well to keep Newcastle at bay. At the other end of the pitch, both Lookman and Bobby Decordova-Reid should have done better with the chances presented to them.

Fulham will feel hard done by but given the circumstances and the character they showed after going a man down, they should be pleased with their performance. 

Newcastle continue to pick up points and find themselves in 12^th place heading into Christmas. Fulham are 17^th with ten points so far this season but depending on Monday’s result between Burnley and Wolves they could yet find themselves in the bottom three at Christmas.

Next time out, Newcastle head to West London to play Brentford in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup (Tuesday 22^nd  December, 5:30pm), whilst Fulham turn their attentions to the Boxing Day clash with Southampton (3:00pm).

By Dylan Chavasse