Dempsey (59)
Dempsey (65)
Zamora (68)
Dempsey (89)
Craven Cottage
Barclays Premier League
(Attendance: 25,692)
Ben Arfa (85)
Fulham 5 Newcastle 2
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
At Craven Cottage
Fulham 5 (Murphy 51pen; Dempsey 59, 65, 89; Zamora 68pen)
Newcastle United 2 (Guthrie 43, Ben Arfa 85)
Clint Dempsey's second half hat-trick condemned Newcastle United to their first defeat of 2012, as they went down 5-2 away at Fulham.
The Magpies were one up at half-time thanks to Danny Guthrie's screamer, and deservedly so having dominated proceedings. But after the break two penalties - from Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora - sandwiched either side of a Dempsey brace put the hosts well in control.
Hatem Ben Arfa reduced the deficit as the clock ticked away, but Dempsey put the result beyond any doubt with a minute remaining to seal his treble.
United made a bright start to proceedings, and within 50 seconds fit-again midfielder Yohan Cabaye had tested David Stockdale with a 20-yard strike which was comfortable for the home keeper.
Shola Ameobi was next to go close, leaping above Brede Hangeland to meet Cabaye's left-wing cross, but Stockdale did well to pluck his effort out of the top corner.
The visitors were growing in confidence with every move and their best chance of the opening spell came on 17 minutes through French international Hatem Ben Arfa.
Following great work from Jonas Gutierrez, the forward received the ball just inside Fulham's half and proceeded to waltz through a series of challenges before firing low towards the bottom corner, with Stockdale grateful to pounce on the ball at the second attempt.
On his 250th league appearance for Newcastle, Ameobi was proving to be a menace to the Cottagers' rearguard, and minutes later he arrived at the far post but could only nod a deep Gutierrez cross narrowly over the top.
It took 25 minutes for Fulham to muster their first opening, and came from the boot of former Magpies winger Duff. Having scored the winner in this fixture last season, Duff chased what looked to be a lost cause into the left-hand corner, before turning Cabaye inside-out, cutting inside and curling a right-footed effort into the arms of Tim Krul.
But it was soon normal service resumed as the visitors went back on the attack, and United's centre-back pairing almost provided the breakthrough that they deserved.
As Fulham failed to clear a corner properly, Mike Williamson popped up on the right wing and his cross was turned goalwards by Coloccini, only for the Argentine's close-range volley to be smothered by Stockdale.
The hosts' stopper was keeping his side in the contest and four minutes before the break got down well to tip Ameobi's low drive behind for a corner, but he could do nothing to stop Guthrie breaking the deadlock almost immediately after.
Bryan Ruiz lost possession deep in his own half, and Ben Arfa fed Guthrie, who took a touch before firing an unstoppable drive past the despairing dive of Stockdale as the ball flew into the top corner.
Fulham made a tactical switch at the break - replacining Ruiz with Chris Baird - and they looked to make an instant impression as Duff lashed wide from distance.
And they got their reward in the 51st minute. A long ball over the top saw Duff get in front of Davide Santon, and the full-back bundled him over. Referee Lee Mason took a while to decide if the offence occurred inside the box or not, and having awarded a spot kick, captain Danny Murphy made no mistake in sending Krul the wrong way.
Fulham looked rejuvenated, and it took a fine stop from Krul to prevent Bobby Zamora from drilling the hosts ahead moments later.
But the keeper was helpless as they edged ahead on 59 minutes. Substitute Andrew Johnson raced from the halfway line and played in Zamora, who turned Coloccini inside the box and then drew a save from Krul. However, the ball fell perfectly into the path of Clint Dempsey, who bundled into the unguarded net from a couple of yards out.
And it was 3-1 just just six minutes later, as Fulham ripped through the heart of Newcastle's defence. When a ball was played up to Johnson, he headed cleverly into the path of Zamora, who immediately slipped in Dempsey.
And the American international was not going to pass up that opportunity as he duly slotted home.
Things were going from bad to worse and in the 68th minute Johnson's pace forced another penalty for the home side. The striker burst past Williamson inside the box and managed to stay on his feet, but then tumbled under Krul's subsequent challenge, with Mr Mason having no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Zamora did the rest, drilling the spot-kick past the Dutch keeper, who was booked for his part in the incident.
Newcastle tried to respond and Ameobi had the ball in the back of the net, only to see the assistant's flag correctly rule it out after the striker strayed a yard offside.
Gutierrez tried his luck from 25 yards, firing into the body of Stockdale, before Ben Arfa struck a late consolation with five minutes remaining. Having picked up the ball on the right touchline, he strode inside before drilling home at the near post.
That looked to be it, but Dempsey had other ideas and took home the matchball after out-pacing United's back line and finishing past Krul.
Fulham (4-3-3): David Stockdale; Stephen Kelly, Brede Hangeland, Philippe Senderos, John Arne Riise; Steve Sidwell (Andrew Johnson 37), Danny Murphy (c), Clint Dempsey (Kerim Frei 90); Damien Duff, Bobby Zamora, Bryan Ruiz (Chris Baird 46)
Subs not used: Neil Etheridge, Matthew Briggs, Aaron Hughes, Marcel Gecov
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Davide Santon; Yohan Cabaye (Dan Gosling 83), Danny Guthrie (James Perch 76), Hatem Ben Arfa, Jonas Gutierrez, Leon Best (Ryan Taylor 85); Shola Ameobi
Subs not used: Rob Elliot, Shane Ferguson, Gabriel Obertan, Peter Lovenkrands
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)
Attendance: 25,692
Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Foul by Philippe Senderos(Fulham) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Free kick drilled right-footed by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle) from left channel (25 yards), over the bar.
Defending throw-in by Ryan Taylor(Newcastle).
Bobby Zamora(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Fulham substitution: Clint Dempsey replaced by Kerim Frei (tactical). Attacking throw-in by John Arne Riise(Fulham).
Goal by Clint Dempsey(Fulham) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Fulham 5-2 Newcastle. Assist (pass) by Bobby Zamora(Fulham) from own half.
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle). Andrew Johnson(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Newcastle substitution: Leon Best replaced by Ryan Taylor (tactical).
Assist (pass) by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) from right channel.Goal by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Fulham 4-2 Newcastle.
Foul by James Perch(Newcastle) on Damien Duff(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Andrew Johnson(Fulham) caught offside. Newcastle substitution: Yohan Cabaye replaced by Dan Gosling (tactical). Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) drilled right-footed from left channel (30 yards), brilliant save (caught) by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Philippe Senderos(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle).
Andrew Johnson(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Newcastle substitution: Danny Guthrie replaced by James Perch (tactical).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on John Arne Riise(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by David Stockdale(Fulham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Chris Baird(Fulham) on Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right channel, passed.
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by David Stockdale(Fulham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Chris Baird(Fulham). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, save (caught) by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Shot by Chris Baird(Fulham) drilled right-footed from right channel (35+ yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Tim Krul(Newcastle) on Andrew Johnson(Fulham). Tim Krul(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.Power penalty taken right-footed by Bobby Zamora(Fulham) (high centre of goal), scored.Fulham 4-1 Newcastle. Assist by Andrew Johnson(Fulham) from left side of six-yard box.
Shot by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Assist (pass) by Bobby Zamora(Fulham) from right channel.Goal by Clint Dempsey(Fulham) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Fulham 3-1 Newcastle.
Andrew Johnson(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Davide Santon(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle) on Clint Dempsey(Fulham). Danny Guthrie(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour.Danny Simpson(Newcastle) booked for dissent. Direct free kick taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) from left wing, passed. Shot by Chris Baird(Fulham) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), over the bar.
Leon Best(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by David Stockdale(Fulham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Bobby Zamora(Fulham) left-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Assist by Bobby Zamora(Fulham) from right side of penalty area.Goal by Clint Dempsey(Fulham) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left side of six-yard box (6 yards).Fulham 2-1 Newcastle.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by John Arne Riise(Fulham).
Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) to centre, resulting in open play. Shot by Bobby Zamora(Fulham) left-footed from left side of six-yard box (6 yards), save (parried) by Tim Krul(Newcastle). Shot by Chris Baird(Fulham) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle). Outswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) to centre, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Shot by Leon Best(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed left.
Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Philippe Senderos(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Foul by Davide Santon(Newcastle) on Damien Duff(Fulham). Placed penalty taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) (top-right of goal), scored.Fulham 1-1 Newcastle. Assist by Damien Duff(Fulham) from centre of penalty area.
Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Brede Hangeland(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Foul by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) on Brede Hangeland(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by David Stockdale(Fulham) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Damien Duff(Fulham) drilled left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Foul by Chris Baird(Fulham) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Free kick crossed right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left wing, clearance by Brede Hangeland(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Fulham substitution: Bryan Ruiz replaced by Chris Baird (tactical).
Defending throw-in by John Arne Riise(Fulham).
Foul by Davide Santon(Newcastle) on Andrew Johnson(Fulham). Davide Santon(Newcastle) booked for unsporting behaviour. Free kick crossed right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) from left channel, clearance by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle).
Cross by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle), clearance by Danny Murphy(Fulham).
Foul by Bryan Ruiz(Fulham) on Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) from left channel, resulting in open play.
Assist (pass) by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) from right wing.Goal by Danny Guthrie(Newcastle) drilled left-footed (top-right of goal) from right channel (25 yards).Fulham 0-1 Newcastle.
Shot by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (tipped round post) by David Stockdale(Fulham). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Brede Hangeland(Fulham). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) to near post, clearance by Bobby Zamora(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Damien Duff(Fulham).
Defending throw-in by John Arne Riise(Fulham).
Defending throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Foul by Danny Simpson(Newcastle) on John Arne Riise(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Fulham substitution: Steve Sidwell replaced by Andrew Johnson (injury). Attacking throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Cross by Mike Williamson(Newcastle), shot by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) right-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (caught) by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Cross by Danny Simpson(Newcastle), resulting in open play.
Cross by Davide Santon(Newcastle), clearance by Philippe Senderos(Fulham). Weak shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) right-footed from left channel (30 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Bobby Zamora(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Mike Williamson(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Defending throw-in by John Arne Riise(Fulham).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to far post, resulting in open play.
Foul by Steve Sidwell(Fulham) on Davide Santon(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Shot by Damien Duff(Fulham) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Danny Murphy(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Steve Sidwell(Fulham) from left channel, resulting in open play. Bobby Zamora(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Foul by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) on Steve Sidwell(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Cross by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle), header by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Bobby Zamora(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Shot by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Defending throw-in by John Arne Riise(Fulham).
Foul by Steve Sidwell(Fulham) on Danny Guthrie(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from left channel, passed.
Defending throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Defending throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Cross by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle), header by Shola Ameobi(Newcastle) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), comfortable save (caught) by David Stockdale(Fulham).
Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) to far post, clearance by Brede Hangeland(Fulham).
Damien Duff(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Foul by John Arne Riise(Fulham) on Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Tim Krul(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Defending throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Foul by Hatem Ben Arfa(Newcastle) on Brede Hangeland(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Brede Hangeland(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Attacking throw-in by Davide Santon(Newcastle).
Goal kick taken long by Tim Krul(Newcastle).
Foul by Jonas Gutierrez(Newcastle) on Philippe Senderos(Fulham). Direct free kick taken right-footed by Danny Murphy(Fulham) from own half, passed.
Defending throw-in by Stephen Kelly(Fulham).
Foul by Steve Sidwell(Fulham) on Leon Best(Newcastle). Direct free kick taken left-footed by Davide Santon(Newcastle) from own half, passed.
Handball by Brede Hangeland(Fulham). Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Fabricio Coloccini(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.
Attacking throw-in by Danny Simpson(Newcastle).Shot by Yohan Cabaye(Newcastle) right-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by David Stockdale(Fulham). Bobby Zamora(Fulham) caught offside. Indirect free kick taken right-footed by Danny Simpson(Newcastle) from own half, resulting in open play.