Matz Sels - 5
The big Belgian keeper put on a good display of dives and saves, however, these were overshadowed by the conceded goal.
Sels wasn’t directly at fault for the goal, that came from a Matt Smith header, but was inches away from getting a hand to it.
Had some risky moments throughout the match but did well to really scramble and fight for the ball.
Daryl Janmaat - 5
Was one of our best attacking options and looked like a much-improved defender.
In a system of 4-2-3-1 that Benitez played, both Janmaat and Dummett were utilised as wing-backs, a role which Janmaat enjoys and does not shy away from.
Played in a multitude of crosses, varying in finesse and direction, but always looked to be trying to pick out one of either Gayle or Perez.
Was much improved when tracking back and marking a man, unlike last season which on many occasions we were used to him being caught up the pitch.
Jamaal Lascelles - 4
On a night which did place a lot of pressure and expectation on new captain Lascelles, he failed to deliver.
At fault for the only goal which came from a corner, a top-class floated ball in from Fulham skipper Tom Cairney found an unmarked Matt Smith, who got in front of Lascelles and climbed high to head the ball low into the net.
Had a weak game with some shaky moments, improvements needed but was fair and owned up to his mistakes post-match.
Grant Hanley - 4
A very ragged and uninspiring performance from the newly signed Scotsman.
Played the full 90 minutes but found it difficult to defend against the pace and creativity of Fulham’s danger men, Aluko and Ayite.
His match was summed by the foolish booking he received in the second-half for knocking the ball Fulham goalie, Button’s hands.
Paul Dummett - 3
It really was a woeful performance from the young left-back.
Showed promise in the early parts of the game by getting the ball forward and clearing the danger from Aluko at first. But as the game wore on he really did fall to pieces.
Gave the ball away on far too many occasions which applied unnecessary pressure on both Hanley and Lascelles, and then further struggled with Aluko throughout the second half. It will be interesting to see if Benitez sticks with him at left-back against Huddersfield or opts to go for Gamez.
Put in a rash sweeping challenge on Odoi during the second half, but that arguably was the highlight of his match.
Isaac Hayden - 7
By far one of the best players in a black and white jersey tonight. The United debutante really did impress all who watched, through the passion he seemed to give and his relentless defensive nature.
Never seemed to give up and was always applying pressure when Fulham mounted an attack. Could of mistaken him for a wall throughout the first-half as he rarely let anything past.
Found ease in diverting danger either with his head or his feet and was more than comfortable with the ball at his feet and to pass it around.
Disappointing to see him come off in the second-half but you could tell he was starting to lose hi cool and become frustrated. Should be a very exciting and permanent first team presence.
Vurnon Anita -4
Had a very mixed game. Once again seemed to start off reasonably well and enjoy good spells of moving the ball around and possession.
Seemed to lose his way near the end of first-half and give way too much of the ball the Fulham forwards who were quick on his heals.
Never really seemed to play well in the formation Benitez chose as he seemed to, too often drift to the centre and leave his wing unmarked.
Put in some good challenges here and there but never looked on top form, could face some competition for his starting place.
Jack Colback - 3
Was really very ineffective throughout the match, made no real advances up the pitch and struggled to defend.
Colback is always praised for his stamina and work-rate, however, neither of those were really displayed tonight. When it was Newcastle’s turn to pile on the pressure and really pressure Fulham, Colback was nowhere to be seen.
The 26-year-old was very sloppy on the ball which resulted in giving a lot of possession back to the Cottagers. Seemed to be easily muscled off the ball at both ends of the pitch and never really looked a threat going forward.
Come next Saturday and Huddersfield his place could be n jeopardy.
Matt Ritchie - 8
The star of Newcastle’s show. Despite not scoring at all tonight Ritchie was the only player who really went about creating clear chances, and testing the Fulham keeper.
Had three real screamers that should have been buried, but were all fired straight at the keeper.
Showed that he can offer pace and skills when required and is more than qualified to run at defences with the ball at his feet.
Ayoze Perez - 4
The Spaniard had a very unusual game, really failing to threaten the opposition goal all night.
Known for his footwork and sublime finishing skills, Perez seemed to forget all he had learnt and instead fumble around the pitch.
He was presented with a clear chance on the 10-minute mark when he was fouled on the edge of the area, by Denis Odoi who received a yellow card. However, the young Spaniard’s free-kick effort was fired straight into the wall and Fulham survived.
Had one clear-cut chance early on but after making a decent run, took two heavy touches (one off his shin and the other his knee) to see the ball go bounding out for a goal-kick.
Dwight Gayle - 4
Our new number 9 failed to show any signs of scoring all night.
He didn’t have a shot on target and never got into good positioning to either receive or pass off the ball in the final third.
Seemed to spend too much time out of his central position and on the wing, making it difficult for Janmaat and Ritchie to really play some balls in.
On the tactics side of things, it was really quite hopeless trying to play the long-ball into Gayle and Perez, who have an average height of 5,6ft.
Gayle did show some skill and promise in spells of the game and will have 3 more matches to prove his abilities before Mitrovic returns from suspension.
Here's more you might like