Newcastle United produced a dramatic finish at St James’ Park as Bruno Guimaraes scored a last-minute winner to seal a 2-1 victory over Fulham.
It was a night full of frustration, missed chances, injuries, and tension, but in the end, the roar of the Gallowgate End summed up everything about this club’s spirit they simply never give up.
Eddie Howe made just one change from the side that beat Benfica, recalling Joelinton to the starting lineup while Jacob Ramsey dropped to the bench.
That meant Sandro Tonali remained among the substitutes and Lewis Miley kept his place in midfield. From the opening whistle, Newcastle looked determined to make a strong start under the autumn sunshine.
Anthony Gordon quickly set the tone, winning a free-kick high up the pitch after being brought down by Kenny Tete, who earned an early booking for the foul.
The home side nearly struck within the first five minutes when Kieran Trippier whipped in the resulting free-kick, Malick Thiaw headed down, and Nick Woltemade’s close-range effort cannoned off the post.
Just minutes later, Jacob Murphy hit the other post with a fierce strike from the right wing, leaving Fulham’s defence in disarray.
After a spell of possession from the visitors, Newcastle’s persistence paid off in the 18th minute. Murphy pressed high, dispossessing Calvin Bassey on the right before bursting forward down the flank.
With four neat touches, he powered through on goal and slotted his shot off the post and into the net past Bernd Leno to give the Magpies a well-deserved lead. The crowd erupted as Murphy celebrated his first Premier League goal of the season a goal born from relentless pressing and confidence.
Fulham, though, began to grow into the game after falling behind. Nick Pope was called into action, making a strong save to deny Sander Berge before Adama Traoré narrowly dragged a shot wide.
Newcastle continued to look dangerous on the counter, and Murphy could have doubled his tally after a clever pass from Gordon set him through one-on-one, but his finish lacked power and was comfortably turned wide by Leno.
Despite missing that golden chance, Newcastle went into the break with a 1-0 advantage and optimism.
The second half, however, took a worrying turn. Fulham introduced Brazilian winger Kevin, who immediately caused problems down the left.
Then, disaster struck for Newcastle on 56 minutes when Fulham equalised and it came at a painful cost. Kevin delivered a dangerous cross that led to Raul Jimenez hitting the bar, and as Sasa Lukic reacted quickest to head the rebound into the net, he clashed heads with Sven Botman.
The Dutch defender came off second best, requiring lengthy treatment before being taken off, clutching an ice pack to the back of his head as he made his way around the pitch. Fabian Schar replaced him, making his first appearance since early October.
At that point, Howe decided to inject fresh legs into the game, bringing on Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes for Miley and Murphy. Later, Anthony Elanga replaced Gordon to add pace in the final stages.
Newcastle pushed forward with urgency, with Tonali, Bruno, and Elanga all having chances to restore the lead, but Bernd Leno continued to frustrate them with key saves.
Joelinton had a golden opportunity in the closing minutes when Trippier sent in a perfect cross to the back post, but his header hit the side netting.
Time was running out, frustration was rising, and it looked like Newcastle were heading toward another disappointing draw. But the Magpies, as they have done so many times under Howe, found one last moment of magic.
With the clock hitting the 90th minute, substitute William Osula charged forward with determination, bursting through the Fulham back line and unleashing a low strike toward Leno.
The goalkeeper managed to parry the shot, but the rebound fell perfectly for Bruno Guimaraes, who smashed it home from close range. The stadium erupted as the Brazilian sprinted toward the fans in celebration. It was redemption for Bruno, who had missed a clear chance earlier, but this time he made no mistake.
The bench exploded in emotion Anthony Gordon turned the air blue with sheer joy, while Jacob Murphy screamed at the top of his lungs in delight. Players, staff, and supporters all knew how important this goal was, not just for the result but for the belief it restored.
It wasn’t a perfect performance. Newcastle were wasteful at times and allowed Fulham too much space in the second half. But what cannot be denied is their resilience, their willingness to fight until the final whistle, and their ability to find a way even when the odds seem stacked against them.
The late winner pushed the Magpies up to 11th place in the table and eased growing pressure after some inconsistent recent results.
Referee Peter Bankes endured a tough afternoon, drawing boos at halftime for several questionable decisions, but in the end, none of that mattered. What mattered was Bruno’s strike, Osula’s energy, and the sheer will of a team that never stopped believing.
The celebrations at full-time were raw and heartfelt. For the players, it was relief; for the fans, pure joy. Newcastle didn’t just win a football match they reminded everyone that spirit and determination still run deep through this team.
As the final whistle blew and the cheers echoed around St James’ Park, the £166 million investment on the pitch finally paid off in the most dramatic way possible.
