Newcastle’s season has seen them often drift off just when the tension heightens. However, this time, Bruno Guimaraes took charge, crafting a triumphant climax.

In previous matches against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Brighton, late goals have led to their trio of losses in the Premier League. Typically, the announcement of added minutes has spelled trouble for the Magpies. But not on this occasion.

Eddie Howe’s strategic second-half substitutions turned the tide in Newcastle’s favor, just when Fulham appeared poised to seize the advantage as the hour mark approached.

This victory was significant for Howe and Newcastle, who have struggled for consistency in the league thus far. Following a 3-0 triumph over Benfica, could this past week signal a positive shift in momentum?

CRAIG HOPE from Daily Mail Sport was present at St James’ Park to evaluate the performances of both Newcastle and Fulham.

Newcastle beat Fulham 2-1 on Saturday afternoon thanks to a late Bruno Guimaraes goal

Howe has frequently highlighted the increased depth of his squad this season. He tapped into that reserve in the 61st minute. After Fulham leveled the score with Sasa Lukic’s header, the Newcastle manager implemented a trio of substitutions.

SUB STANDARD!

Howe has spoken a lot about his squad depth being stronger than ever this season. He had to lean into that well in the 61st minute. Fulham had not long equalised after Sasa Lukic headed in when the Newcastle boss made a triple change.

Three subs in search of three points was his masterplan, because at this stage it was in danger of being none. Jacob Murphy had given them an 18th-minute lead and with it the game changed – in Fulham’s favour. The hosts became sloppy and slow.

But the arrival on Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar – and later Anthony Elanga and Osula – gave the contest a whole next complexion.

‘We needed to inject some different energy,’ said Howe. ‘After that, we were the dominant team, and you’re just hoping you take one of those chances.’

WILL POWER!

Osula nearly joined Frankfurt in a £30million deal on deadline day, before the club’s owners pulled the plug when the terms changed to a loan move. What an inspired decision that looks now, because without him, Newcastle would not have won here.

The 22-year-old Dane can have the look of a dog chasing pigeons at times, but he certainly had Fulham in a flap. He added bark and bite after replacing Nick Woltemade in the 86th minute and his intensity allowed Elanga to nick the ball at the onset of the move that led to Guimaraes’ goal.

‘Will is influencing matches,’ said Howe. ‘When you come on you have to impress, and he is doing that.’

It was, deservedly, his name that rang out around St James’ Park in the moments after the winner.

William Osula nearly left Newcastle on deadline day, but the Magpies pulling out of the deal looks an inspired decision

STEADY MURPHY!

Newcastle are a better team with Jacob Murphy in it. He spent most of last season creating goals for Alexander Isak. In the Swede’s absence, he has started creating them for himself.

His goal to give Newcastle the lead was the footballing equivalent of caught and bowled. When defender Calvin Bassey dawdled in possession and attempted to clear, Murphy blocked his escape route downfield. Winning the ball from his charge, he scurried clear and finished low across Leno.

He is keeping £55million simmer signing Elanga out of the team, and rightly so on current form.

BACK IN BUSINESS?

Given Newcastle were only minutes from what would have been a damaging draw – they need to win home games like this – it is perhaps too soon to declare their league season back on track. They still have not won away from home, for example.

But there was something about the collective will of the final half hour that suggested they might just be peeking around the corner at least.

‘Late goals don’t just affect the game you’ve won, it affects mood and belief going forward,’ said Howe. ‘It can have a big knock-on effect. We’ve had heartbreak the other way. This felt like a massive moment for us. We found a way to win.’

Now, Newcastle have to find a way to win again, and again. They have scrambled back into the top half of the table for the first time in six weeks, but only better consistency will keep them there.