When Bruno Guimarães, midfielder for Newcastle United, slipped the ball into the net in the 90th minute, the roar at St. James' Park turned from nervous to elated in a heartbeat. The Brazilian’s last‑gasp strike secured a 2‑1 comeback win over Fulham on Saturday, October 25, 2025, a result that nudged the Magpies back into comfortable mid‑table shape while pushing the Cottagers deeper into relegation danger.
Background to the Match
The fixture formed part of the 2025‑26 Premier League seasonNewcastle upon Tyne. Going into the game, Newcastle sat 12th with 12 points from nine outings (3‑3‑3), while Fulham lingered 16th with just eight points (2‑2‑5). Both clubs were desperate for points – the Magpies to solidify a climb away from the relegation‑battle zone, the Cottagers to halt a four‑match losing streak.
Fans in the 52,152‑strong crowd were treated to a slight technical glitch early on: the stadium’s sound system stalled for a few minutes before the half‑time break, prompting a brief chorus of boos aimed at referee Peter Bankes. The referee, however, recovered to oversee a drama‑filled second half.
First Half Action
Newcastle struck first in the 18th minute. Jacob Murphy, the English winger, limped into the box after a heavy touch from Fulham’s Calvin Bassey. Murphy’s right foot found the net’s lower corner, sending the home fans into a early celebration.
Fulham, refusing to wilt, pressed forward. Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez rattled a powerful shot that clanged off the crossbar just before the half‑hour mark – a moment that could have rewrote the script. The Magpies held onto their lead, and despite a second‑half‑chance for Murphy that was denied by a diving Leno, the score stayed 1‑0 at the break.
Second Half Drama
The visitors emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigor. In the 56th minute, Sasa Lukic, the Serbian midfielder, rose highest on a Jiménez cross and headed home to level the tally. The goal was a textbook set‑piece finish, and for a moment it looked like the match could finish in a dull draw.
But the drama wasn’t over. Newcastle’s keeper Nick Pope had been relatively quiet all afternoon, his positioning praised by the TF Match Report as "solid but not overly tested". It was Guimarães who decided the outcome. Picking up the ball near the halfway line, the Brazilian unleashed a low driven shot that slipped past Leno and into the net just as the referee signalled four minutes of added time. “A last‑gasp winner,” ESPN wrote, and the Magpies celebrated as the final whistle blew at 90'+9".
Player Performances
- Bruno Guimarães – 1 goal, 1 assist, and the decisive moment.
- Jacob Murphy – 1 goal, relentless pressure, but a niggling hamstring remained.
- Sasa Lukic – 1 goal, showed why Fulham still have set‑piece quality.
- Nick Pope – 2 saves, calm under pressure, earned praise from his teammates.
- Peter Bankes – 1 yellow card, managed a flowy but contentious game.
Coach Eddie Howe lauded his side’s fighting spirit in the post‑match interview, noting, “We never gave up, and Bruno reminded us why we fight every minute.” Fulham boss Marco Silva admitted, “We lacked the killer instinct, but the boys will learn.”
What the Result Means
Newcastle’s three points push them to 12 points from nine matches, narrowing the gap to the top half of the table. A win also eases the pressure on Howe, whose contract renewal talks have been a whisper in the stands all season.
For Fulham, the loss extends their winless run to four league games. At 8 points, they sit just three points above the relegation zone, and their next fixture against a fellow struggler could be decisive. The club’s sporting director hinted at a possible tactical shift, saying “we’ll look at the mezz… possibly a more aggressive pressing style.”
Key Facts
- Final score: Newcastle United 2 – 1 Fulham.
- Goal scorers: Jacob Murphy (18'), Sasa Lukic (56'), Bruno Guimarães (90'+1').
- Attendance: 52,152 spectators at St. James' Park.
- Referee: Peter Bankes; match ended after 9 minutes of added time.
- Impact: Newcastle moves to 12 points, Fulham remains on 8 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Newcastle United's league standing?
The three points lift Newcastle to 12 points from nine games, keeping them comfortably in mid‑table and reducing pressure on manager Eddie Howe as they chase a top‑half finish.
What does the loss mean for Fulham's relegation battle?
The defeat leaves Fulham on eight points, just three above the drop zone. With only two matches left before the international break, the club must pick up points quickly to stay clear of the bottom three.
Who were the decisive players in the match?
Bruno Guimarães, with his 90th‑minute winner, was the hero. Jacob Murphy provided the early lead, while Sasa Lukic gave Fulham hope with his equaliser. Goalkeeper Nick Pope kept a clean sheet until the final minute.
What tactical changes did Eddie Howe make at half‑time?
Howe instructed his midfield to press higher and instructed the full‑backs to stay wider, creating more room for Guimarães to operate. The switch paid off when the Brazilian found space on the edge of the box to strike the winner.
When is Fulham's next Premier League match?
Fulham's next fixture is scheduled for November 2, 2025, against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium. The outcome will be crucial in their fight to stay above the relegation line.