Newcastle United

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham.

Here are the key headlines from the Newcastle boss:

• Midfielder Joe Willock is unavailable because of a "problematic" Achilles injury. Howe said: "We need to make sure the long-term prognosis for him is positive so he may need some rest."

• Left-back Lewis Hall "is a slight concern" after not training this week and right-back Tino Livramento has returned to training but is yet to join up with the team.

• On Joelinton signing a new long-term deal: "It is amazing news for all of us. We are glad he sees his future here. He has a brilliant bond with the supporters as well. Hopefully that is a big lift for everyone."

• He said the deal "gives an insight into the next couple of years" of the midfielder's career and how he will play a part in the club's plans.

• On last weekend's win over Fulham: "It wasn't a great performance, but we were dogged and determined. It was a big step forward by not playing too well but finding a way to score and win the game. We haven't been able to do that enough this season."

• He said he admires opponents Tottenham "tactically and physically" and added that "they have played very well this year".

• Reflecting on last season's 6-1 thrashing of Spurs at home: "I have had it rarely in my career where at every chance you score. We were confident, had good rhythm and our finishing that day was lethal. We are always trying to work towards that and build connections to make a performance like that."

• He hopes to see the return of three or four players to the matchday squad "in the not-too-distant future" but did not name who those players are likely to be.

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences here

Newcastle United and Manchester United have reportedly "initiated talks" with 29-year-old Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who could be available on a free transfer this summer. (Calciomercato via TeamTalk), external

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has held face-to-face talks with Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley in an attempt to reach an agreement on sporting director Dan Ashworth's move to Manchester United. (Times - subscription required), external

Newcastle bosses have injected £37m into the club in the form of a new share issue, although it is not clear whether the money will contribute towards the summer transfer window. (Football Insider), external

Want more news? Read Friday's full gossip column

Image source, Newcastle United via Getty Images

Joining Newcastle United "was the best decision of my career", Joelinton has said, after the Brazil international agreed a new contract.

The Premier League club has said it is a "long-term" contract but has not disclosed the exact length of Joelinton's deal.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Magpies from German club Hoffenheim in 2019, told Newcastle's club website: "I feel great. I feel very happy and my family is happy.

"A lot of things have happened in my years here. I've learnt a lot and grown a lot, and for me to come here to Newcastle was the best decision of my career.

"I love playing for the club. I love the club. I love the fans. We had a lot of discussions and I always wanted to be here. I'm glad to continue and I hope to have success in the years to come."

Joelinton has scored 25 goals in his 179 appearances for Newcastle.

Manager Eddie Howe said: "This has been a big priority for us off the pitch and I'm absolutely delighted Joelinton has committed his future to the club.

"Joey is an exceptional player and person, and the love he has for the club is reciprocated by all of us here. He brings unique qualities to the group and undoubtedly makes us stronger.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved behind the scenes for bringing this to a swift and positive conclusion. We are all excited to see Joelinton in a Newcastle shirt for many years to come."

On the latest episode of Total Sport, podcaster Kris Wallace and Comedian Anth Young join Raul to discuss the Magpies' season so far, Eddie Howe's style of play and the revival of the dark arts.

The panel believe that Newcastle's performance this season, given the obstacles they have had to negotiate, is a bigger achievement than last year's top four finish.

"If this had been last season without the Champions League, we'd be buzzing," said Young.

"We'd be in a good position. Even taking the injuries out of it, the results we're getting, the position we're in, where we can finish - we'd be absolutely buzzing.

"We were spoilt last season by the Champions League run and that's why this season doesn't look as good.

"I think it's been a fantastic season."

"I agree," added Wallace. "We've probably achieved more this season than we did last season when you look at the bigger picture.

"Last season we didn't have a game every four days, didn't have the injury problems we've got, didn't have players banned for whatever reasons.

"If you look at league position - yes last season was fantastic, best run for 20 odd years. But, this season we've done a hell of a lot more to even still be in the fight for these European spots."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Podcaster Kris Wallace believes Newcastle will draw with Tottenham on Saturday but will still have enough to finish in a position that will qualify for European competition next season.

Eddie Howe's side are currently eighth in the Premier League, 12 points behind Spurs in fourth but just two points behind Manchester United in sixth.

"I think it will be a tight one, I think Tottenham are a good enough team to get something out of it," Wallace told the Total Sport: Newcastle United Podcast on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I'll go for a draw. Although Spurs aren't in the best form ever, given our injury crisis, a draw would be good.

"It's going to go down to the last game I think but we'll probably have European football secure at that point. We just don't know which competition it'll be in, I think it'll go right down to the wire.

"I don't think we've ever finished above Manchester United in the Premier League and that's what worries me."

Raul Kohli said: "I'm going to say 2-1 to Newcastle. We're in form and Tottenham are pulling a Tottenham at this stage of the season.

"I think we can finish fifth with our run-in, with Tottenham's run-in, with Manchester United's run-in - if we don't lose any more players, which has been the issue."

Comedian Anth Young added: "I'm going to go sixth. You'd take any kind of European competition, wouldn't you?"

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Newcastle and Tottenham in the Premier League.

• Newcastle won this fixture 6-1 last season, last winning consecutive home league games against Spurs between April 2006 and December 2008 (a run of four).

• Tottenham have scored at least once in each of their last 17 Premier League away games against Newcastle, since a 4-0 loss in December 2003. It is their longest scoring streak away against an opponent in their league history.

• Along with opponents Tottenham, Newcastle are one of just two teams to have scored in 100% of their Premier League home games this season. Their current run of scoring in 16 consecutive Premier League home games is their longest since between September 2002 and August 2003 when they had a run of 18.

• Having won four of their first six Premier League away games this season (D2), Tottenham have won just two of their subsequent nine on the road (D4 L3).

• Alexander Isak has scored in each of his last five Premier League home games, netting six goals in total in this run. The last Newcastle player to score in more consecutive games at St James’ Park was Alan Shearer, who scored in each of his first 15 at home for the club in the 1996-97 campaign.

• Son Heung-Min has been involved in 24 goals in his last 25 Premier League appearances, scoring 15 and assisting nine. One more assist would see him become just the sixth player to register double figures for both goals and assists in three separate Premier League campaigns (also 2019-20 and 2020-21), after Wayne Rooney (5), Mohamed Salah (4), Frank Lampard (4), Eric Cantona (4) and Didier Drogba (3).

Newcastle United's talks with midfielder Joelinton are progressing well and the 27-year-old is close to signing a new contract with the club. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)

Manchester United are yet to agree a compensation deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth and may have to wait some months before they can appoint him as their sporting director. (Guardian, external)

Want more transfer stories and gossip? Read Wednesday's full column

Matty Renton
Fan writer

What a week for Newcastle United. A week which could have lasting effects on determining their season. Seven points out of a possible nine means they are well and truly in the European mix.

As I have been saying throughout the campaign, any pressure that has been on Eddie Howe is absolutely ridiculous. He is performing more miracles this season than last.

To be two points off Manchester United in sixth, with the injury crisis, the Sandro Tonali situation and everything else he has faced is unbelievable.

As always, he has dealt with it in a calm, respectful manner. Not once has Howe blamed officials for VAR decisions - like the one that knocked the Magpies out of the Champions League against Paris St-Germain.

Not once has he complained at the outrageous cup draws - the group of death in Europe or the domestic cup draws away to the top teams like Manchester City.

Most impressive of all, not once has Eddie berated the injury crisis and blamed bad luck for bad results - even after having the most days missed because of injuries in the Premier League this season by a country mile. And, even now, still having a better unavailable 11 than a fully fit one.

Howe carries himself and his team with respect, intelligence and dignity. Seven games remain in what has been a rollercoaster of a season, but sixth place is still in our hands.

Any form of European football would be a success this season, but if we could finish above Manchester United and get sixth... in the words of Kevin Keegan: "I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it!"

Matty Renton can be found at The Magpie Channel TV, external

Liverpool, Newcastle United and AC Milan are considering a move for Leeds United's 22-year-old Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville. (Football Transfers), external

Everton can expect offers for Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana with former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness saying the club could get up to £70m for the 22-year-old amid interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

We asked for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Newcastle United.

Here are some of your responses:

Fulham fans

Gilo: A very disappointing day. There was not enough pressure on the ball out of possession and we were so predictable when attacking. Plus our indecisiveness when on goal meant there were far fewer shots on target. It was lame all over.

Will: We had so many chances and so much possession, yet there is nothing to show for it. It was a shame to lose at home, after our great home record, but we just cannot take our chances. I thought we could perhaps steal it after their goal was ruled out, but it wasn't to be.

Philly: If you look at the club's finances overall, we are punching above our weight.

Newcastle fans

Joseph: We rode our luck in the first half and were very open at times in defence, but the lads seemed to grow in confidence and began to take the fight to Fulham in the second period. The result is all that matters in this one though and it keeps us firmly in the hunt for European football, of some sort, next season.

Andy: Longstaff and Krafth were dreadful again. They are not good enough and are Championship players at best. In my opinion, they are only in the team because our injury list is as long the M5 motorway. This is an issue that needs looking at. There must be issues with the training or something because we have had over 40 injuries so far. That is horrendous. It was a vital three points though and we are still in it.

Richard: Walking away from that match, I feel like football is hard work to watch sometimes. I mean, most of that just wasn't enjoyable! Fulham had a lot of the ball but they managed the same number of clear-cut chances as the Toon. We somehow found the energy from somewhere at the end, and I think it was pure adrenaline! Still, somehow, we won!

Vernon: For a team that is still running on a very depleted squad, they are still proving to be a nuisance to the so-called 'Big Six'. European football is still on the cards. Come on the Toon!

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra match commentary in full:

Everton v Burnley

Brighton v Arsenal

Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle showed great character in their late win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, especially after having a goal ruled out.

The returning Anthony Gordon was once again brilliant for the Magpies, as they knew only three points would be enough if they are to secure a spot in Europe next season.

After experiencing what the Champions League is like, and being allowed to dream, would the Europa Conference League suffice?

West Ham fans' experiences will tell you yes, and Newcastle might be thinking they want a piece of that glory.

However, we can forget about the Conference League for a moment because Eddie Howe's side are just one point adrift of Manchester United in sixth.

After attempting to earn a place in Europe's elite competition, Erik ten Hag's side are now looking over their shoulders.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to Premier League Productions after the win: "Really pleased with 60 minutes, I think the first thirty we looked really tired - two games in a week with a very small squad - after that, they gave everything. We really did improve the performance and it was a brilliant win."

On the disallowed goal: "Live, I thought it was a goal. Dan [Burn] jumped aggressively but fairly. I wasn't surprised it went to VAR because these things normally do, but then I thought VAR would say it was fine.

"Then I thought the referee would go over and review his decision, which he gave as a goal, I thought he would have the strong mindset to have a look, but he didn't. I thought it was a perfectly good goal [which was] ruled out."

On Newcastle looking tired: "It was about switching the mindset really. Like I said, in the opening period we looked really lethargic and Fulham controlled things and played really well.

"Often the third game in a week is difficult, especially going away from home and not being able to rotate the players you want to. We did well not to concede and had some luck doing it too.

"But [after] a few harsh words, the lads were harsh with themselves as well, and second half we saw a completely different team that deserved to win in the end."

On chasing the European football spots: "Well that is seven points from nine we have taken since the break. We were aiming for nine, but seven we will take and we move on to another home game.

"The players will have the chance to rest a bit. We will count the bodies and get ready for Tottenham."

On Bruno Guimaraes: "Firstly, he is very defensively intelligent, very aggressive and physical. His main quality though, of course, is with the ball. His technical ability, which we didn't see early in the game, because we didn't have the ball. Second half, we saw plenty of that and I thought he was instrumental in us coming here and getting the win."

On Bruno's future at the club: "No, I wouldn't say that is a conversation we are having. He has got a contract, a long contract, he signed a new deal this season. When a player does that he commits himself to you for a number of years.

"Of course, in the modern game, things can change but he looks happy. I see a player happy in the group, on the training pitch, off the pitch as well. So I would hope we can do enough to keep him here."

Here are the key facts and figures following Saturday’s game between Fulham and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

• Newcastle have won their last five Premier League games against Fulham. The Magpies have only had a longer winning run in the competition against Tottenham (six games) in December 2008.

• Having won just one of their first 10 Premier League away games this season (D2 L7), Newcastle have now won three of their last five away matches (L2). They have also kept their first clean sheet on the road in the league since their 8-0 win over Sheffield United in September 2023.

• Fulham have lost consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since December, while they failed to score in the competition for the first time since a goalless draw against Everton in January.

• Bruno Guimaraes scored his third goal in his last four Premier League away games, one more than in his previous 28 such games in the competition (two goals).

• Fulham's 67.3% share of possession was their highest in a Premier League game, which Marco Silva's side has lost, since April 2023 against West Ham United (76.6% and a 1-0 defeat).

Newcastle match-winner Bruno Guimaraes has been speaking to Premier League Productions following the win: "What day, what a day for me! The first 20 minutes was not good enough from us, but after that, and in the second half, it was an unbelievable performance from everyone.

"100 games for the club, wow! What a journey I have been living here! I am very happy, glad. Everyone deserved to win the game today. The feeling against Everton, to lose the win in the last minutes, hurt a lot. So to get here today, 100 games and score, what a day!"

On the slow start: "We did not start well, so slow with and without the ball. We gave them so much time in between the lines and on the ball. We were not Newcastle United. At half-time, the gaffer said a few things to change and in the second half we were Newcastle United."

On responding to the disallowed goal: "It was a moment when the fans were singing a lot, a very good moment to score. I was looking forward to getting this goal for a long time. It was a good moment to score and win the game, and I think we could have scored a second but also to not concede today was the most important."

On receiving no bookings since January: "It is hard because for me when I play for this club. I give everything, I am aggressive, so it is hard not to get yellow cards. I love to play football with energy and sometimes I am a little bit too strong.

"I spoke to the manager and he told me to play smarter. I have been doing this and there is just one more game to avoid one."

On making 100 appearances for Newcastle: "I hope to stay much longer. I don't know what the future brings, let's see, but I hope to play much more for Newcastle United."

Bruno Guimaraes scored his fourth goal of the season as Newcastle beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Brazilian struck the winner inside the last 10 minutes after good work from substitute Harvey Barnes, shortly after Fabian Schar had an effort ruled out.

Newcastle are now one point adrift of sixth-placed Manchester United and firmly in the tussle for a place in Europe next season.

Willian, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz missed great chances for Marco Silva's home side as Fulham stayed in 13th place.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Fulham fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Newcastle fans?

Follow all of the reaction here