Fulham 1-4 Newcastle United: Miguel Almiron stars against 10-man Fulham

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said Miguel Almiron was capable of “magical things” after scoring twice to help his side hit four past 10-man Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Almiron netted a superb first-half volley before completing his double after the restart with a tap-in, as Newcastle moved up to sixth with their first Premier League win since the opening day.

“I’m delighted for [him], he’s such an infectious character. His work sort of epitomises our play, so it was great to see,” said Howe.

“He’s capable of doing magical things, and for me [his first goal] was a magical goal.”

Fulham’s day started poorly when Nathaniel Chalobah was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Sean Longstaff in the eighth minute.

Three minutes later Callum Wilson, returning from injury, tapped in Joe Willock’s header, before Almiron effectively killed off the game in the 33rd minute with his looping volley.

Longstaff added a third for the visitors just before the break, striking home a rebound after Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno tipped Sven Botman’s header on to the post.

And in the second half Almiron turned in his second, pouncing on a Willock pass across goal, before the hosts scored a late consolation, with Bobby Decordova-Reid heading home Neeskens Kebano’s cross.

Newcastle dominate with electric attack

With striker Alexander Isak picking up a knock on international duty with Sweden, Almiron’s slick display and Wilson’s return to action after four games out with a hamstring injury could not have been more timely.

“It’s been a very difficult two weeks,” Howe added to BBC Sport. “But it didn’t show in our performance.

“Right from the start we had a good feeling, with good energy, and created chances early on.

“Obviously the red card made it easier, but I am very pleased with the players’ response.”

Almiron’s first-half strike was special. The Paraguayan found the net with a first-time volley, latching on to a looping pass from Bruno Guimaraes.

And the 28-year-old thought he had scored a first Premier League hat-trick midway through the second half, chipping in a third only to see his effort ruled out by the offside flag.

As for Wilson, the 30-year-old’s opener means he has now scored four goals in four top-flight matches against the Cottagers.

The former Bournemouth star had hit the post in the opening exchanges and went close to scoring a second in the 28th minute with a curling effort.

Midfielder Joe Willock was also lively for Howe’s side, picking up two assists and forcing fine diving saves from Leno either side of half-time.

“We wanted more – we weren’t happy with what we had, always trying to score,” added Howe.

Injuries hamper sorry Fulham

Referee Darren England initially showed Chalobah a yellow card for his challenge on Longstaff but upgraded his decision to a red after VAR intervention.

Once Fulham went behind, there only seemed to be one winner.

Things went from bad to worse for Marco Silva’s side when star striker and former Magpie Aleksandar Mitrovic limped off in the 37th minute.

He was soon joined on the bench by debutant Layvin Kurzawa who also picked up a first-half knock.

Decordova-Reid’s goal came from Fulham’s only shot on target as the hosts struggled to get the ball upfield.

Defeat saw the hosts drop to eighth in the table.

The Cottagers visit West Ham away from home next Sunday, with Newcastle hosting Brentford on Saturday.

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