Ashkan Dejagah's second-half strike secured relegation-threatened Fulham all three points in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.
It was a match of few opportunities, but the 27-year-old's long-range effort 20 minutes from time breathed new life into the home side's relegation battle with just eight games remaining.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two rivals.
Match statistics
Fulham
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 39%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 11
Newcastle
Shots: 12
On target: 3
Possession: 61%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 6
Was the result fair?
Despite the statistics being fairly similar, Fulham were deserving of the three points this afternoon. In truth, not too much happened in a first period short of real quality, but the hosts raised their game in the second 45 minutes and took the lead following a spell of extended pressure. Newcastle were not too worried defensively for long spells, but simply did not offer enough in the final third to deserve anything from their trip to South London.
Fulham's performance
There were certainly question marks when the teamsheets were handed in and Fulham had youngster Cauley Woodrow leading their line. However, boss Felix Magath got his tactics spot on this afternoon. Woodrow never stopped running, while Steve Sidwell and Brede Hangeland were both terrific for Fulham. It was far from the perfect performance and they had to ride their luck at times, but it was a much-improved display as they kept their first clean sheet in 14 league games. If Magath's side had lost this afternoon, it might have been curtains.
Newcastle's performance
It was a tired and uninspiring performance from Newcastle, who were without their suspended manager Alan Pardew. Luuk de Jong and Papiss Cisse started as the front two, but the Magpies desperately missed their leading scorer Loic Remy. Even when the match became stretched in the latter stages, they never offered the impression that they were capable of turning it around. They entered the match on the back of successive wins in the league, but this was arguably one of their poorest performances of the entire season.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Steve Sidwell: As has often been the case for Fulham this season, Sidwell was just terrific. The box-to-box midfielder was a threat in the final third with his direct running, while he was always on hand to assist his back four, especially in the latter stages. If the Cottagers are to survive this season, then they will need the former Chelsea midfielder to continue in this type of form.
Biggest gaffe
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul has had an impressive season for the Magpies, but he had a bit of a horror for Fulham's goal. Dejagah's effort was powerful and towards the bottom corner, but the Dutchman allowed it to slip through his hands too easily. It was a strike that a Premier League shot-stopper would be expected to save.
Referee performance
Overall, it was a quiet afternoon for Howard Webb. The Englishman was not interested in taking centre stage as he allowed the match to flow in the right areas. Just the one yellow card arrived, meanwhile, with Dejagah's name taken for his celebration after scoring. Webb was hardly seen at Craven Cottage, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Fulham: Fulham's relegation battle does not get any easier as they travel to title hopefuls Manchester City next weekend.
Newcastle: The Magpies will attempt to return to winning ways when they host Crystal Palace next Saturday.
Matt Law
