After three successive away games against promotion chasing sides, a run of fixtures which yielded seven points, Newcastle were back in action at home against another side looking to get themselves into the Premier League.
Fulham were the visitors to St James’ Park and in truth, they deserved their victory.
The away side ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a wonder strike from Tom Cairney and a brace from 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon.
Daryl Murphy got the home side on the scoreboard in the 76th minute but no miraculous comeback followed and the closest any team came to scoring after that was when Fulham missed a late spot-kick.
The result means that Brighton are now level on points with Newcastle with nine games to play whilst Huddersfield are just six points off the pace with a game in hand.
Here are my player ratings for the Magpies on a disappointing day at St James’ Park:
Karl Darlow - 6
Conceded three goals but in truth, there wasn’t much he could have done for any of them.
Vurnon Anita - 4
Back into the side and he looked sluggish. 16-year-old Ryan Sessegnon had the better of him far too often.
Jamaal Lascelles - 4
A below par performance from the captain.
Ciaran Clark - 6
Looked pretty solid and nearly got on the scoresheet. Went off injured around the hour mark.
Paul Dummett - 3
His error allowed Fulham in to score the second goal and he also gave away the late penalty.
Matt Ritchie - 5
Didn’t really threaten. Put in plenty of crosses but didn’t do much else.
Jonjo Shelvey - 4
Fulham had the running of the midfield and Shelvey did little to prevent them from bossing the middle of the park.
Jack Colback - 4
Similar to Shelvey, Colback didn’t win the battle and Newcastle suffered as a result
Christian Atsu - 5
Set up the goal but didn’t threaten much.
Mohamed Diame - 3
Was included in the side to add some phyisicality in attack but in truth, he was pretty poor and it was no surprise to see him subbed off.
Dwight Gayle - 5
Didn’t really have much service but never gave up.
(Sub) Daryl Murphy - 7
Came on and got his goal. In hindsight, he should have been on much earlier.
(Sub) Jesus Gamez - 6
Replaced the injured Clark and looked pretty solid.
(Sub) Yoan Gouffran - 4
Replaced Gayle with 15 minutes to go but offered next-to-no threat at all.