Newcastle United advanced into the fifth round of the FA Cup following a 2-0 win at Premier League rivals Fulham.
Newcastle were without Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles for the visit to Craven Cottage. Both players have been subjected to transfer speculation this week but their absence was down to illness and a calf injury, respectively. That forced Eddie Howe into one change with Jacob Murphy making his first appearance since November after recovering from surgery on a dislocated shoulder.
Fulham saw more of the ball in the first half and were arguably the better side but the Magpies forced the better chances. They took the lead in the 39th minute when the ball struck Bruno Guimaraes' arm before Sean Longstaff fired home with a first-time left-footed shot.
Murphy saw a quick-fire second ruled out for offside but United did grab the all-important on the hour-mark when Dan Burn followed up Sven Botman's saved header. From then on, Eddie Howe's side gained a foothold and saw out the win relatively comfortably.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at Craven Cottage and here's his Newcastle United player ratings:
1. Martin Dubravka - 7
Produced a brilliant low save to deny Rodrigo Muniz in what was another comfortable display from the Slovakian. A third clean sheet of the campaign.
2. Kieran Trippier - 6.5
Guilty of giving the ball early on but settled as the game progressed. Delivered the corner that led to Newcastle’s second goal.
3. Fabian Schar - 6
A early yellow card summed up a shaky start for the Switzerland international. Wasn’t his usual composed self in possession.
4. Sven Botman - 7.5
Read the game well via some crucial sliding challenges and stopped Rodrigo Muniz from scoring with a block.