It ended Fulham 2 Newcastle United 0.
Ahead of each game we ask one of our writers to come up with three positives and three negatives following the match.
An ‘interesting’ match at Craven Cottage.
Plenty to talk about after this Premier League game.
A goal in each half winning the match for Fulham in this final NUFC match of the season.
On this occasion it is David Punton:
POSITIVES
We know what is needed
It has been a slog of a season, but amid the disappointment it does at least crystalise what’s needed – a major rebuild.
The owners simply cannot tinker this summer. The last few months, summed up entirely by this game, show that we need to see change.
A reshaped team is paramount. New wingers. A new centre mid. A new keeper. New full backs (at least one) and maybe even a new centre forward.
This season was always going to be tough. Trying to match 24/25 was a big ask, a campaign in case you have forgotten where a cup and a Champions League place had us in dreamland.
We’ve landed back down to earth with a bump. A very big bump.
The reality check we maybe needed.
Dead rubber
If you want to try and feel better about getting beat then don’t forget that this game was real end of season stuff.
There was nothing to play for.
The key focus now is coming back better next season.
A nice moment for Sean
Teenager Sean Neave will be over the moon to have got his first ever Premier League minutes.
It’s always great to see a local lad break through.
NEGATIVES
Injury torment
No Joelinton and then Tonali gets injured in the warm up.
Not ideal to lose both for this last game of the season.
In Tonali’s case that could well have denied him a farewell performance.
Poor goals and the metrics are even worse
The way this team concedes this season has been scary.
It really needs to be sorted out.
The scale of the decline is backed up by some shocking metrics.
Most defeats outside the relegation zone – 17
Fewest points from losing positions
Most goals conceded in the final 15 mins.
Most points dropped from winning positions.
It’s eye wateringly bad and Craven Cottage was no different.
Eddie ends on a sour note
Our manager looked a bit fed up in the post-match presser.
It’s been a tough season and as the coach he is accountable for where it has gone wrong.
This game was another poor one, not getting what he wants from his players.
Howe has been there almost five years, which is a long time for a Newcastle United manager.
There is genuine concern and many feel we need change.
To end on such a meek 2-0 defeat does little assuage the doubters.
When we come back next season, and if he’s still there, he is going to need a good start. He really will.
That said, this the man who won us a cup. He should be revered and get one more go at turning this around.