Rodrigo Muniz rescues Fulham and keeps Arbeloa’s unbeaten run alive

Rodrigo Muniz scored three minutes after Newcastle United had taken the lead to earn Fulham a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage and preserve Alvaro Arbeloa’s unbeaten start as the club’s manager.

The result leaves Fulham three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone and extends their unbeaten league run to four matches. They have now recorded two wins and two draws during that sequence, easing some of the pressure on Arbeloa after the fixture had been viewed as a final warning for his future.

Newcastle were the more threatening side during the opening half, while Fulham struggled to impose themselves in attack.

The visitors came close when Oscar Bobb tested Fulham goalkeeper Hornicek, who made an important save to keep out the attempt. At the other end, Bernd Leno denied Harvey Barnes with a stop of his own.

Newcastle thought they had taken the lead when Dan Burn found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a foul by Wissa at the start of the move.

Newcastle continued to look the more dangerous team after the interval and eventually broke the deadlock through Jacob Murphy.

Murphy capitalised on a mistake in Fulham’s possession, carried the ball forward and unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area. His shot flew into the top corner beyond Leno, giving Newcastle a deserved lead.

Fulham responded immediately, however, and levelled after only three minutes.

Alex Iwobi and Palacios were involved in the build-up before a loose ball fell to Brazil forward Rodrigo Muniz inside the penalty area. He reacted quickly to the rebound and finished with a composed touch to restore parity.

The home side then came close to completing the comeback when Sessegnon struck a fine effort from outside the box. Hornicek produced another important save, ensuring the scores remained level until the final whistle.

Fulham took a valuable point from a match in which Newcastle had created the greater threat for long periods. The draw means Arbeloa’s side have avoided defeat in four successive Premier League games, with their record in that run standing at two victories and two draws.

Newcastle, meanwhile, had to settle for a point despite their pressure and stronger attacking display, after Murphy’s opener was cancelled out by Muniz.