Scott Parker’s Fulham side took all three points against fellow relegation strugglers Sheffield United to move closer to escaping the relegation zone. Although the Cottagers are picking up points, Fulham is benefitting from Newcastle United’s downfall.
Scott Parker’s Fulham on the Rise
Fulham Move Closer to Safety
When Brighton, Burnley and Newcastle United won multiple games throughout January, the bottom three seemed doomed for relegation. While still likely for West Brom and Sheffield United, the Cottagers haven’t lost in their last four Premier League matches. More importantly, the London side are starting to win Premier League football matches.
Fulham played Everton after the Toffees free-scoring FA Cup tie against Tottenham. Scott Parker took advantage of a tired Everton side, winning 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Although Everton was there for the taking earlier in the season, Fulham would have struggled to win the game. As they lacked a clinical striker. However, the addition of Josh Maja makes Fulham a more well-rounded team. While giving the Cottager’s a chance of turning draws into wins. In the end, Maja’s two goals made the difference. Meaning Fulham won their first Premier League game since the end of November.
Fulham drew their next game against Burnley 1-1. After taking the lead early in the second half. Fulham failed to build on their momentum, as Burnley levelled the score just minutes later.
Ademola Lookman’s goal against Sheffield United rounded off a strong week for Fulham. Just three points off Newcastle, Fulham face Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace next.
Will Newcastle United Be Relegated?
Newcastle’s Premier League status looks in real danger. Not only is the Magpies league position worrying. The performances aren’t matching a club on the brink of slipping into the relegation places.
To make matters worse for Newcastle. Callum Wilson is out injured until April. The England international goals were propping Newcastle up in the Premier League. Now lacking a potent attacking threat, all hopes now shift to Allan Saint-Maximin.
The only saving grace for Newcastle is Fulham’s upcoming fixtures in March. Fulham play Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds United. Although, if the London side performs as they have in reason games, then they will have a strong chance of picking up points.
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle contrasts several of their relegation rivals. Bruce seems to be more out of his depth with each passing match week, as Newcastle play every game aimlessly. While Sean Dyche’s Burnley makes the most of their strengths, by being well structured. A trait that will keep the club in the Premier League.
Like Fulham, Graham Potter’s Brighton are building towards a progressive playing style. While football is a results-based business. There are some clues in the identity of a football club.
Fulham, Burnley and Brighton are all in the process of developing systems. Whereas Newcastle is in limbo. Neither hard to beat nor playing an attractive style of football.
The big club status only goes so far. The best managers are always looking to evolve the status of their football club, by improving playing styles. Newcastle has leadership problems from the level of the owner to the manager. An issue that will eventually see Newcastle relegated, if not this season then next.
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