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Newcastle United failed at St James’ Park and failed to beat a relegation-threatened team.
Without question, the magpies would have been booed and booed off the field after being bullied by a newly promoted team for the second time in four days.
Unbelievably, the magpies chose to park the bus against a Fulham who had conceded 22 goals this season and won just two.
And Steve Bruce’s tactical error cost Newcastle two important points as the Cottagers held the tie.
United attacked in the last half hour against Scott Parker’s side, but that was only after the visitors were reduced to 10 men and a penalty from Callum Wilson dragged Newcastle down.
Serious questions should be asked at United ahead of two tough games with Man City and Liverpool over the holiday period.
Despite pushing to the end, Newcastle’s performance must be considered unacceptable against a team that was here for the taking and had won just once in six matches.
However, from the opening moments there was a sense of unease in St James’ Park when Fulham first emerged from the traps.
Karl Darlow warmed his hands in the opening seconds as former Toon forward Aleksandar Mitrovic attempted an ambitious effort, but Toon’s plug held.
After being pinned down in their own half, Newcastle finally came forward after Jonjo Shelvey paired up well with DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie to force a corner, but the play was to no avail.
In eight minutes, Yedlin won another corner but this time it ended with Shelvey’s shot blocked.
Two minutes later, Ritchie’s center was greeted by Callum Wilson, but his looping header was picked up by Alphonse Areola.
But it was Fulham who dominated the opening exchanges and Ademola Lookman’s header was gratefully picked up by Darlow again in the 12th minute when Fulham threatened again.
With 20 minutes played, Wilson did well to advance after winning the ball in his own half, but after he tried to free Joelinton, his pass was blocked by Joachim Andersen.
Fulham received a free kick just outside the box in the 27th minute, but after Lookman took a shot at the goal, it was Federico Fernández who put in a major block to deflect it off the wall for a corner.
Tom Cairney threw the ball, but Tosin Adarabioyo headed wide from close range and Newcastle broke loose again.
The visitors should have been ahead in the 32nd minute when Mario Lemina slid the ball to Bobby de Cordova-Reid down the right and the Fulham man beat Paul Dummett, but he swerved.
After inviting Fulham for most of the first half, it came as no surprise when the Cottagers took the lead.
And having been so generous with possession, United extended their goodwill with an own goal.
Lookman’s corner in the 43rd minute was nodded by Adarabioyo before Ritchie’s collapse at the line forced the ball past Darlow.
The Magpies came in with a goal down at halftime and as the teams emerged for the second half, Bruce made his first change with Isaac Hayden replacing Federico Fernandez.
Almiron won a free kick early in the second half for Newcastle, but Shelvey’s effort was overlooked and the Magpies squandered another good opportunity.
Ritchie huddled in another set piece in the 55th minute, but no one was at the end.
The game took a turn just before time after a good pass from Almirón to Newcastle’s top scorer.
Almiron played Wilson just before the hour before Andersen attacked him in the box.
After a lengthy review by VAR and referee Graham Scott checking the monitor on the field, the Fulham man was sent off.
Wilson won another free throw in the 65th minute, but Sean Longstaff could only hit the goalie directly from 30 yards.
Fulham, however, had the next chance and Darlow had to act calmly to beat Lookman’s effort.
Joelinton burst into the area with 19 minutes to go, but after beating his score he was unable to finish at Gallowgate End.
It would be Joelinton’s last act of the night with Dwight Gayle replacing him for the last 15 minutes.
Bruce’s last roll of the dice came as Ryan Fraser entered the final stages to replace Dummett.
With five minutes remaining, Longstaff chose Wilson, but his cornering shot missed the target.
Newcastle could not find a winner and even survived a late handball scare through Ciaran Clark.
The only thing missing at the end were those boos.
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