Newcastle dominated 10-man Fulham to claim an important win in the capital. United started brightly, winning a corner in the first minute, and could have taken the lead when Dan Burn saw an effort saved by Leno in the Fulham goal and Callum Wilson couldn't turn the rebound home.
However, the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Nathaniel Chalobah was sent off for a late challenge on Sean Longstaff following a VAR review. And United did wait long to press home their advantage, taking the lead soon after through the returning Wilson.
Newcastle were dominating the half, and should have made it 2-0 when Murphy played in Willock, whose cross was turned over the bar by Wilson. The second did come not much later, though, through Miguel Almiron.
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Bruno Guimaraes lofted a ball into the path of the Paraguayan, and he thundered home a stunning volley to double United's lead. And there was still time for a third before the break, Sean Longstaff getting in on the act, turning home the rebound after Sven Botman hit the post.
Despite the scoreline, Leno was impressive in goal for Fulham, and prevented another just after the break, saving from Willock after more good work from Bruno. But there was no stopping Newcastle, and Almiron added his second and United's fourth, tapping in Willock's cross after good work from Murphy.
Fulham had a late consolation when De Cordova-Reid headed home to pull one back. Here's how Lee Ryder rated the United players.
Nick Pope 8
A spectator for long periods and cruelly denied clean sheet in 89th minute. Helped keep the team pushing forward though.
Kieran Trippier 8
Another excellent display. Roared the team forward and a had a big hand in opening goal.
Fabian Schar 8
A cool and calculated display from the Swiss ace.
Sven Botman 8
Back in the starting line-up and showed his quality. Sharp in the tackle and some probing passes.
Dan Burn 8
Pushed in at left-back and didn't let anybody down. Almost on the scoresheet in the first half.
Bruno Guimaraes 9
Breezed through the game like it was a kick about in the park. Sprayed the ball around and weighed in with an assist. Wisely taken off before the hour mark after recent injuries.
Sean Longstaff 9
A top midfield performance. Battled hard won his tackles and weighed in with well-taken goal. Man of the match.
Joe Willock 9
Two assists and the driving force in midfield. Finding his best form again, goals will follow.
Miguel Almiron 9
A wonderful volley and cool finish for number two cruelly denied hat-trick by the offside flag. His best performance of the season.
Jacob Murphy 9
Throw into the team to the surprise of some. But linked play up well and was always a threat.
Callum Wilson 9
The number 9 didn't take long to get on the scoresheet again. Also hit the post but gave the team a real edge.
Subs
Elliot Anderson 8 (for Bruno 58)
Caused Fulham some problems. A class act.
Ryan Fraser 8 (for Wilson 65)
Had a good run around. Denied a goal by an offside call.
