Substitute Alexander Isak ensured that the “work was worth it,” according to manager Eddie Howe, as the Newcastle striker scored in the 89th minute against Fulham.
Record signing at the club On his first league appearance since September, Isak nodded home from close range to send Newcastle back into third place in the Premier League.
It came after Aleksandar Mitrovic’s converted penalty for Fulham was disallowed because he slipped while striking the ball and accidentally kicked the ball onto his standing foot.
It was a thrilling final 30 minutes to a tight game that Newcastle won despite failing to create clear chances.
Isak, who had made a promising start to life on Tyneside before his injury, was in the right place at the right time to convert strike partner Callum Wilson’s knock-back.
“It was a special moment,” Howe explained.
“You want to get off to a good start at a new club, and he did before the injury.
“He had to sit back and watch the team perform admirably in his absence. He’s put in a lot of effort. “The work was worthwhile for these moments.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva was booked for protesting after the final whistle, as his team’s five-game winning streak came to an end.