In a thrilling clash at Craven Cottage, Fulham emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United in match week 5 of the Premier League. Both sides entered this game looking to solidify their standing early in the season, but it was Fulham who dominated key areas of the match, leveraging superior possession and clinical finishing.

Match Overview & Key Stats

Fulham’s attacking display was relentless, as they registered 20 shots, with 11 on target, racking up an impressive xG (expected goals) of 3.0. Newcastle, on the other hand, struggled to create clear opportunities, despite their 13 shots, only managing to score once with a cumulative xG of 1.7.

Fulham’s shot map highlights their potency, especially inside the box. Two goals were scored in dangerous central areas, while their cumulative xG steadily rose throughout the match. Raul Jiménez opened the scoring early for Fulham with a composed finish (5′), while Emile Smith Rowe doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. Newcastle found a glimmer of hope with Harvey Barnes netting one back (46’), but Reiss Nelson extinguished that comeback with a late goal (92′).

Momentum & Match Flow

The match momentum graph clearly reflects Fulham’s control. From Jiménez’s early goal to Smith Rowe’s 22nd-minute strike, Fulham were on the front foot. Newcastle showed brief sparks of resurgence after Barnes’ goal, but Fulham’s consistent pressure kept them on top for the remainder of the game, as seen by their dominating moments throughout both halves.

Shots Taken & Shots on Goal

Both teams attempted a combined 33 shots, with Fulham’s 11 on target leading to three goals, while Newcastle managed just four on target. Fulham’s shot-to-goal map shows a concentration of attempts in the penalty area, with multiple shots clustered around the six-yard box.

Newcastle’s shot-to-goal map tells a different story, with most of their attempts from wide or difficult angles. Despite their effort, they could only find the net once, lacking the clinical edge displayed by Fulham.

Possession Tactics: A Look at the Pass Maps

Fulham’s pass map illustrates a structured and methodical approach, with Andreas Pereira and Sasa Luki? controlling the midfield, supported by sharp movements from Adama Traoré and Emile Smith-Rowe down the wings. Their play flowed primarily through Pereira, who connected well with the wide men and Jiménez up top.

Newcastle, on the other hand, struggled to find fluidity. Their pass map shows a reliance on Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton in the middle to progress the ball, but much of the play was horizontal, lacking penetration in the final third. Alexander Isak, often isolated, did not see enough service, which severely limited his impact on the game.

Fulham’s performance in this match highlights their ability to control games through high possession (58%) and aggressive pressing. Their shot efficiency combined with a structured passing network made them the better team on the day. Newcastle will be left frustrated by their inability to convert more chances and break down Fulham’s organized defense. The Magpies will need to rediscover their attacking rhythm if they want to push up the table, while Fulham will look to build on this momentum in the weeks to come.