Steve Sidwell put Fulham ahead with a deflected shot after 19 minutes, their first goal in over five hours of Premier League action. "That was vital for us," Fulham manager Martin Jol told Sky Sports. "I was so happy that we could score the first goal because that's been our problem in the last couple of weeks.
Newcastle, who beat Wigan Athletic last time out to end a run of four league defeats in a row, equalised through a brilliant dipping 20-metre strike by midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa which flew into the net off the bar early in the second half. Rodallega rose to head home Damien Duff's free kick after 63 minutes although Newcastle almost levelled again when Fabricio Coloccini's powerful shot struck the crossbar.