'Fulham just seemed to want it a bit more'published at 20:30 BST
20:30 BST
Nikesh Rughani Final Score reporter
Image source, Getty Images
An end of term feeling, if ever there was one.
Neither side had much to play for, with the chance for European football next season having long gone. Fulham just seemed to want it a bit more.
They took a first-half lead thanks to the head of Issa Diop, who followed in from Kevin's free-kick that crashed off the bar.
Newcastle started the second half more brightly, following the introduction of Harvey Barnes, but that energy soon fizzled away again and Fulham substitute Tom Cairney doubled their lead with an absolute screamer.
There has of course been speculation about the future of Marco Silva, who will soon be out of contract.
If he is to leave after five years at Craven Cottage, at least he leaves on a winning note.
'I am going to speak with the club again': What Silva saidpublished at 20:24 BST
20:24 BST
Fulham boss Marco Silva, speaking to Sky Sports: "After a performance and a well-deserved three points for us, an important game to end the season on a high. It was important for us to win and finish above our opposition Newcastle, to climb two positions in the table to give a bit more of a deserved position.
"We missed small margins throughout the season, we have some great moments and some great wins as well but we missed the cherry on the cake for this club to be in European competition next season. But well-deserved, we gave the fans the three points and a good performance in a great afternoon at Craven Cottage. Good way to end the season."
On whether he has managed his final game for the club: "I don't know. I'm always honest. To be honest I don't know if for sure I will decide something. I will be the first one to enjoy a different farewell from the players and from the fans because the decision is not made yet. I am going to speak with the club again like we have been speaking and after we are going to decide together, simple as that."
Did you know?
Fulham have won 35 points at home in the Premier League this season (W11 D2) – their most in the top-flight since 2011-12 (also 35). The Cottagers' 11 wins is their most on home soil in a Premier League campaign since 2009-10 (also 11).
75% of Issa Diop's goals in the Premier League have been headers (6/8), while the Fulham defender has scored more goals against Newcastle than any other side in the competition (2).
Analysis: Silva stalwarts fittingly deliverpublished at 18:32 BST
18:32 BST
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Whether Marco Silva stays or goes, it was fitting that it was a couple of long-serving players who stepped up for him.
Although surely even he will have been a little surprised by the identity of the opening scorer.
Issa Diop had not scored since finding the back of the net against Liverpool in a League Cup semi-final in January 2024.
It was therefore not surprising that the popular centre-back was mobbed by his ecstatic team-mates after heading home on Sunday.
Stunned playmaker Emile Smith Rowe had his hands on his head in apparent disbelief.
Few in the stadium, however, will have been surprised by Cairney's ability to score a screamer.
If Silva is to depart, he does so on the back of a fine victory.
Chairman Shahid Khan's programme notes were open-ended about Silva's future.
"Marco Silva has been absolutely integral to everything we've achieved - he's a major part of the foundation we're building and he's aware of our collective ambition for the seasons ahead," he wrote.
An intriguing few days lie in store and it remains to be seen if this impressive victory was Silva's parting shot.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Leeds", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Newcastlepublished at 17:15 BST 23 May
17:15 BST 23 May
This is another tough one to call. These two sides are level on points in mid-table and, while Newcastle have beaten Fulham twice already this season, both those victories came through last-gasp goals in the 90th minute or later.
The Magpies did get a big win over West Ham at the weekend and have finished the season strongly, which is important for Eddie Howe's future.
Marco Silva's had another solid campaign with Fulham too, though, and I think his side will get something here - although admittedly I have been awful at predicting their results all season.
Fulham v Newcastle: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 13:04 BST 23 May
13:04 BST 23 May
Sophie Brown BBC Sport journalist
Fulham host Newcastle, with both clubs out of the running for European football next season.
Fulham's chances of qualifying for Europe have now been extinguished, which could mean that the odds on them having a new manager in charge for next season have shortened.
Marco Silva's contract expires at the end of June and he says he has not yet decided whether he will stay on and be in charge next season.
The club is reportedly keen to keep him, with a three year deal understood to be on the table, but if he has ambitions of immediate European action, then he could be more open to offers from elsewhere.
It's no surprise Fulham want to hang on to Silva, given his record in west London. Since steering the club to promotion from the Championship in his first season five years ago, he has firmly established them in the top flight, guiding them to 10th, 13th and 11th.
The Cottagers were on course to finish even higher this season but failure to win their past three games has cost them.
In fact, tailing off at the end of the season has been a Fulham habit under Silva, with his side's performances dropping off in the final third of the season.
Were it to end up being Silva's last game, it would be fitting to mark it with a win at Craven Cottage but history isn't on their side - Fulham have won their final league match just once in the past eight seasons.
Like Fulham, Newcastle's faint hopes of Europe next season disappeared in midweek but they are at least ending the season in good form.
After losing five in a row in all competitions, they have bounced back to take seven of the past nine points on offer in the league.
The return to form has meant speculation about Eddie Howe's future has died down but it is still likely to be a summer of change on Tyneside.
Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are both leaving, with Anthony Gordon rumoured to be following suit.
However, Howe has unearthed a new source of goals in the shape of William Osula, who has suddenly hit a rich vein of form, scoring six goals in his last eight league matches.
Europe is out of reach but a victory on Sunday would be a high note on which to end the season. And perhaps more important for Magpies fans is that Newcastle must win to have any chance of finishing above north-east rivals Sunderland.
Silva on European 'frustration,' top-half finish and Newcastlepublished at 16:25 BST 22 May
16:25 BST 22 May
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League finale against Newcastle at Craven Cottage (kick-off 16:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He said there is "frustration" and "disappointment" to have not pushed for a European spot to the end as they are "an ambitious group of players and staff".
He understands fans will have "mixed feelings" as it's been "another positive season" for the club, but without European reward.
Silva said finishing this season with a win "is very important because it's the reason why we work".
On the possibility of a top-half finish: "We still have targets, and that was the way we started the week. Newcastle have the same points as us – they are above us because of the goal difference. If we win the game, we are going to be above them."
He wants his players to give their "maximum" and "fight for it" in front of the home support "because the fans deserve it".
Tuchel names 2026 World Cup squadpublished at 10:17 BST 22 May
10:17 BST 22 May
Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad to represent England at the 2026 World Cup hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen - loan), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Josh King (Fulham) and Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) will also be part of the Three Lions' pre-tournament squad in Florida when they face New Zealand and Costa Rica.
The England boss added that one more player will also join his squad in Florida, but did not name the individual.
Tuchel said Bournemouth's Scott had an "outstanding" reaction to not being named in the 26-man squad.
"The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and just be a step closer to the team, was not even a question to him. This showed me his character and spirit. He gets a chance to take a step closer and to get a cap," added Tuchel.
Tuchel on his 26-man squad: "An exciting day for me and I think for everyone selected. From day one we were very clear that we were trying to build and select the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 of the most talented players. Teams win championships – it is as simple as that.
"What we're trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team. That in mind, we chose a very balanced squad. We chose three goalkeepers, plus Jason Steele (as training goalkeeper). I want to take the opportunity, and thank Jason for being brilliant, and thank Brighton for being so cooperative.
"We chose nine defenders for four positions, we chose seven midfielders for three positions, and we chose seven strikers for three positions.
"I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100% committed players with us. Who know their role, who are ready to buy into their role on and off the pitch and who are ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish."
Odds stacked against hosts Fulham for Craven Cottage finale?published at 08:47 BST 22 May
08:47 BST 22 May
Image source, Getty Images
Can Fulham be effective against with their last game of the season at Craven Cottage Stadium on Sunday?
Both sides have secured Premier League status next season, with the Whites sitting in 13th, level on points but two places behind the Magpies.
Fulham have lost six of their past eight Premier League games against Newcastle, although the did manage the double over them last season.
And when playing their final league match of the season in London, Newcastle are unbeaten in their past seven (W6 D1), since a 3-2 loss at Spurs in 1972-73. This run includes 4-0 and 2-0 victories at Fulham in 2018-19 and 2020-21 respectively.
The Magpies have also not lost their final league game in consecutive seasons since a run of three between 2011-12 and 2013-14.
However, more positively for Fulham, Newcastle have only won two of their eight Premier League away games so far in 2026 (D2 L4) - though both of these victories came in the capital (Tottenham in February and Chelsea in March).
Gossip: Two Premier League clubs want Wilsonpublished at 07:10 BST 22 May
07:10 BST 22 May
Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson is among the players on Aston Villa manager Unai Emery's summer shopping list, after being given a £100m transfer budget following the club's Europa League triumph. (Mirror), external
Everton are also interested in 29-year-old Wilson, who will be available on a free transfer when his contract ends in June. (Sky Sports), external
Gossip: Silva to take over from Mourinhopublished at 07:56 BST 20 May
07:56 BST 20 May
Benfica want Fulham boss Marco Silva to take over from Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho, with former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim also a candidate for the role. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external
'Time for a hard reset' at Fulhampublished at 11:33 BST 19 May
11:33 BST 19 May
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Marco Silva has a podium place alongside Jean Tigana and Roy Hodgson as the greatest Fulham managers I have witnessed in my lifetime. But his time has come to a natural conclusion.
I say natural because – as we are all acutely aware – his contract is up in the summer. The club wants to make him one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League, but this season has shown that perhaps that offer is too generous.
Our insipid finish to a campaign that promised so much has left the whole fanbase flat. Marco's continued coyness when asked about his future has worn so thin I no longer wish for him to sign it.
There is the old adage: "Be careful what you wish for." You only have to look at West Ham, one game from dropping out of the Premier League just three years after winning the Conference League for evidence of that.
But I understand where the fans were coming from.
Premier League consolidation is great. But it is not the be-all and end-all. It is not why we became fans of the beautiful game: to successfully tread water for a decade or longer. That is not glory.
We want more - and with the prices all modern football fans are expected to pay for everything from matchday tickets to replica shirts, it is hard to argue we do not deserve it.
Shahid Khan has ploughed millions of his own fortune into Fulham, no-one is disputing that. But given the rate the Premier League is evolving, our transfer fees are increasingly uncompetitive and our scouting is not astute enough.
Couple that with a manager who looks – and sounds – like he has hit his ceiling, and it is time for a hard reset.
Silva said after our 1-1 draw with Wolves that this summer is "one of the most important for the club's future". And while his inaction is at odds with that statement, I agree with him.
I only hope that Marco – and the club – start acting like it soon.
Wolves 1-1 Fulham - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:04 BST 18 May
11:04 BST 18 May
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Wolves and Fulham.
Here are some of your comments:
Wolves fans
Ray: Disastrous. I don't think they have a clue how difficult the Championship is. The so-called best players could not hack it in the Premier League so we will sell them and buy real quality to play in the Championship. Dream on, and the manager is a loser.
Martin: Well we managed 45 minutes before conceding so it must be an improvement.
Chris: Awful, again! If Mr Edwards can't design and motivate the team that will most likely form the nucleus of next season's offering, how do we think the results will be any different in the Championship? We need to find a competent and capable manager now instead of waiting until the end of next season when we go down again! Might be pessimistic but certainly highly probable.
Wol: We played with some spirit but the difference of quality on the pitch between the two teams was vast. Fulham were stringing passes together when attacking but we struggled. Playing long balls to Armstrong is not going to get us goals. A lot of these players will leave in the next few weeks and the rebuild has got to be spot on as if it isn't, then we will have a tough season and will finish mid-table at most. It will take two or three seasons to get us back where we want to be, but we must stick together and hope that the transfer market is a success.
Fulham fans
Robbie: All huff and no puff in the final third of the pitch has ultimately been our arch nemesis most of the season and we haven't beaten any team convincingly all season, which was the same today. Calvin Bassey was again our standout player which says everything about our performances when a defender is making all the headlines!
David: One day the top management will go and get a first-class striker instead of waiting until the end of the transfer window to see what's left over and going cheap. Marco must be pulling his hair out. Again, the end of the season and we're slowly slipping down the table. Likewise, they let good players and managers leave over pay rather than giving them their asking price or a deal to keep them at the club.
Louis: Utterly embarrassing. Europe officially over. This happens every single season. The only goal that we can score is from a penalty - that sums up Fulham. Zero drive at all. Clumsy at the back. Zero midfield. Our striker had one shot, off target, of course.
Maurice: Silva's poor team selection again. He has to play King, and Bobb rather than the lacklustre Smith-Rowe, and Wilson. Time for Silva to move on and for fresh energy brought in for next season. But thanks for the last five years, you have been super.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:59 BST 18 May
07:59 BST 18 May
Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
Wolves 1-1 Fulham: What Silva saidpublished at 18:44 BST 17 May
18:44 BST 17 May
Media caption,
Fulham manager Marco Silva has been speaking to Sky Sports after the draw at Molineux: "In the second half, we were not able to keep up what we did in the first half. In the first half, we had control. We had three clear chances to score with Alex [Iwobi], Sander [Berge] and Timothy [Castagne] putting a ball across that nobody could reach. We had good control and then they scored when no one expected it.
"We equalised from a penalty and we had a good first half, however the second half was not at the level. When you don't play at the level to create chances, you are not able to win games. Of course, for us to think about other things [European football], we have to win our game and we didn't."
On their away form costing them European football: "It can be that. But, if you go back to last week, we had a great opportunity that we lost. When you come here and have performances like this, they are decisive. We have to stand up.
"We tried everything. We freshened up nearly all of the front line, and our substitutions were always to try to give something else to the team. They were all players with an offensive mindset."
On his future at the club: "We have been talking with the board and we are going to talk again next week. Let's see. It has been a long journey. The decision is going to be what's best for Fulham.
"It has to be a big summer ahead for this football club. There are many things to analyse. In certain moments, we haven't been able to take that step forward that we should. There are many things to address and then we can make the best decision.
"It has been an incredible journey and I have to praise [the Fulham fans] every single day for all the support. They have been with us. On the pitch, we've had some very good moments. I am very ambitious and I want to give more and more for them. I wanted to give them a European journey next season, it wasn't possible and we have to move on."
Did you know?
Antonee Robinson became just the third American player to score a Premier League penalty after Roy Wegerle and Clint Dempsey (2 each). He was the first to score a spot-kick since Dempsey against Stoke City in January 2011.
Analysis: Fulham's European hopes peter outpublished at 18:22 BST 17 May
18:22 BST 17 May
Sam Drury BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
After beating Aston Villa at the end of April, Fulham were firmly in the mix not only for European qualification but potentially for a Champions League spot.
They were just two points behind Brighton in sixth but three winless games since have seen dreams of a first season of continental football since 2011-12 evaporate.
A loss at Arsenal was not unexpected, the manner of the defeat by Bournemouth was hugely frustrating but victory at the league's bottom side would have kept Marco Silva's side in contention going into the final day.
Instead, a disappointing draw highlighted why they have ultimately come up short. There was a lack of cutting edge to convert the chances created in the first half while in the second period they failed to manufacture any opportunities of note despite enjoying the lion's share of the ball.
A huge swing in goal difference and the most unlikely sequence of results would now be needed for Fulham to make the top eight.
More realistically, the focus will instead turn to trying to end the season at home on a high and, with Silva's contract up in the summer and his future still up in the air, perhaps even a rousing send off for the Portuguese boss.
Image source, Getty Images
