Newcastle United have beaten Fulham 1-0 in the Premier League, thanks to a late goal from Hatem Ben Arfa.
The home side had an early effort, but Fabricio Coloccini's downward header was inadvertently blocked by Shola Ameobi.
Ben Arfa then drove at the Fulham defence but was dispossessed on the edge of the box.
The first 45 minutes passed without either team creating too many chances, while Newcastle were struggling to keep the ball.
Fulham had a half-chance on 60 minutes, but a long ball over the top rolled through to Tim Krul just before Darren Bent could reach it.
David Stockdale was called into action for his first meaningful save after an hour, holding Ben Arfa's shot from the edge of the box.
Yohan Cabaye came on for Newcastle but gave away a free kick that Bryan Ruiz curled towards the top corner, but Krul was able to tip it clear.
The Magpies almost took the lead through Papiss Cisse but his header smacked the crossbar.
Just moments later, Yoann Gouffran had a great chance to break the deadlock but missed from just six yards.
The goal did come, however, thanks to Ben Arfa. The midfielder picked up the ball and cut in from the right before firing in from the edge of the box past Stockdale.
Gary Peters
