Mitrovic hint
Aleksandar Mitrovic finally returned to the Fulham starting XI for the first time since defeat to West Ham. After a difficult run of games the Cottagers managed to dominate possession and try a different mode of the same system.
It didn't quite work out for the Serbian striker, who for large parts struggled to get involved. Despite having the fewest touches of outfield players in the starting line up, he still generated chances directly or through fouls. It seemed like the forward needed more time to bed in however.
Scott Parker has over the last month always insisted, outside of the Liverpool match, that Mitrovic's absence was tactical rather than injury related.
However, during his post-match press conference following the draw with Newcastle, Parker seemed to suggest there may have been a little more to it.
He said: "I thought he did very well. He's been out of the side for a little while now and I thought he lead the line very well and gives us that platform at times. I thought he did very well in that sense first half. Game goes away from us second half.
"Overall pleased with him. Small steps for Aleks. I think he would be the first to say this season with the qualification of the EUROs and the penalty miss and what came with that - confidence was not at its highest. Slowly building blocks and the character of the man, we'll get back to it."
Hopefully, Mitrovic can get back to his best soon.
Who fills he gap for Joachim Andersen?
Joachim Andersen's suspension is going to be a blow for the Cottagers.
The Denmark international has impressed since his loan from Lyon began and he has had a crucial role in Parker's system in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old has been the central cog in between Ola Aina and Tosin Adarabioyo and now someone else needs to take the mantel. Not just in a positional sense, but in the leadership he has brought too.
Parker noted going into the match against Newcastle: "It’s been a lot of work on the training field. As a team and obviously as a defending unit. Joachim is one of them, a top defender who has done very, very well and is a top-class player. He’s helped no end and will do moving forwards."
Has a replacement also been getting the reps in? Denis Odoi, Tim Ream and Michael Hector were all on the bench with the latter being called upon to fill the hole.
That did lead to a formation change and reverting to a back four so could three centre backs be off the cards for the clash against Southampton or was it simply due to less men on the field?
It would still appear too early for Terence Kongolo or Kenny Tete to be involved as they work their way to fitness but perhaps they could offer alternatives either directly or via Tete filling the right back slot with Aina moving into a partnership with Adarabioyo.
Hector slotting in seems the most likely option at this stage and he has big shoes to fill.
Alphonse Areola's leadership
One man whose leadership will become even more vital is Alphonse Areola. In a desolate St James' park, the goalkeeper appeared to be by far the most vocal person on the pitch.
As Newcastle won a free kick in a good position early in the second half and Jonjo Shelvey and co got into place, the French stopper made sure his teammates stayed focus.
As yellow shirts stood around, the glovesman was back and forth off his line until he was listened to. It was almost as impressive as his shot-stopping abilitiy. The shouts of 'away' are a firm soundtrack of a Fulham match but the goalkeeper offers much more than that and it hasn't been lost on Parker.
He is a crucial part of forming the defensive unit and that will be only more important in Andersen's absence.
Parker said: "It’s very important, he’s come in and brought a lot of experience in his stature as a keeper and again as a human being and in that keeper, he has a big presence about him. He’s been vital. He steps in the building along with the back four, along with a new unit, now you’re starting to see elements of the work that’s being done and them understanding the division well. He’ll play a big part for us this year."
