Fulham 2-0 Newcastle: Premier League 2025-26 match report

The final day of the 2025-26 Premier League season at Craven Cottage saw Fulham conclude their campaign on a positive note, securing a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United. In a match that balanced tactical discipline with moments of individual quality, Marco Silva’s side effectively neutralized Eddie Howe’s 3-5-2 setup, ensuring the hosts finished the season with a clean sheet and three points.

The opening

Marco Silva opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on maintaining a compact structure in midfield to stifle Newcastle’s attempts to build through the center. The strategy paid dividends early. In the 20th minute, Issa Diop found the breakthrough, capitalizing on a set-piece opportunity to put Fulham ahead.

The goal forced Newcastle to rethink their approach, but the visitors struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Fulham backline. Eddie Howe’s side looked to utilize the width provided by their wing-backs, yet the final ball remained elusive throughout the first half. As the teams headed into the break, Fulham held a narrow but deserved lead, having successfully managed the tempo of the game and restricted Newcastle’s creative outlets.

The decisive moment

The second half began with an immediate tactical adjustment from Newcastle, as Eddie Howe introduced Jacob Murphy in place of Harvey Barnes to inject more pace into the attacking third. Despite the change, Newcastle’s frustration began to manifest in their discipline; Bruno Guimarães was cautioned in the 64th minute, followed shortly by a yellow card for Yoane Wissa in the 70th minute.

Recognizing the need to refresh his own ranks, Marco Silva made a triple substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Rodrigo Muniz, Oscar Bobb, and Emile Smith Rowe. The impact of the fresh legs was immediate. With the game entering its final stages, Fulham doubled their advantage in the 80th minute. Harry Wilson, who had been a constant threat throughout the afternoon, provided the decisive assist for Tom Cairney, who finished clinically to put the result beyond doubt.

While Newcastle attempted to force a late response, the defensive organization of the home side remained largely untroubled. Even as the match descended into a series of late substitutions and caution-heavy closing minutes—including yellow cards for Antonee Robinson and Jorge Cuenca—Fulham maintained their composure to see out the victory.

Looking ahead

For Fulham, the win serves as a testament to the consistency they have cultivated under Marco Silva’s stewardship throughout the season. The result provides a stable platform for the club to build upon as they head into the summer transfer window.

Conversely, the defeat marks a frustrating end to the campaign for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe will likely look to address the side's lack of clinical penetration in the final third as he evaluates his squad for the challenges of the upcoming season.