Newcastle United closed their Premier League season with yet another disappointing result, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
With that, Eddie Howe’s turbulent campaign comes to an end with another flat performance away from home and his future seemingly secured but, honestly, on the line and hanging in the balance as he heads into the 2026-27 season.
After consecutive wins over Brighton and West Ham had eased some of the pressure surrounding Howe, Newcastle failed to build on that
momentum and instead slipped to a 12th-place finish, their lowest since the 2020-21 season, the year before the PIF takeover.
Fulham controlled much of the opening half despite Newcastle having a bit more possession of the rock, with the hosts looking sharper in transition and more dangerous throughout the afternoon.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute after Kevin’s free-kick struck the crossbar before Issa Diop reacted quickest inside the penalty area, putting Fulham ahead.
Newcastle struggled badly to create meaningful chances before halftime, with Nick Woltemade and William Osula reverting to their worst versions and being isolated for long stretches while Fulham continued to win balls and outwork any and every Magpie.
Marco Silva’s side eventually sealed victory in the 80th minute when substitute Tom Cairney curled a ridiculous strike into the far corner from outside the box shortly after coming off the pine.
For Newcastle, the defeat was just another reminder of the inconsistencies that defined their season after their collapse in form during the second half of the campaign, effectively ending their realistic hopes of European qualification months ago.
Questions are also kinda huge about who and who will not remain in tow for next season, with several key performers linked to moves elsewhere and an unsettled XI heading into the summer.
At the end of the day, Newcastle ended the season with 49 points and a negative goal difference after winning 14 and losing 17 league matches.
The Magpies finished closer to the relegation places (10 points above 18th-place West Ham) than the European spots (14 points below Conference League-bound Brighton).
Next season can’t come soon enough. Howay!
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