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Robert athletically backheeled the ball past Edwin van der Saar to finish off a move the Frenchman had started.

Newcastle were 2-0 up at half-time after Andy O'Brien swivelled to crash the ball into the net and Gary Speed headed home a Nolberto Solano corner.

Robert's goal of the season contender arrived soon after the interval, while Sean Davis reduced the deficit with a low shot late in the game.

On the evidence of Monday's display, Fulham must act quickly to find a replacement for Louis Saha.

With the Frenchman poised to move to Manchester United, manager Chris Coleman brought in Barry Hayles.

But Hayles struggled to fill the shoes of Saha, although he did well to work himself a shooting opportunity before the interval, Olivier Bernard's sliding tackle eventually denying him.

KEY MOMENTS 4 mins: O'Brien gives Newcastle the lead 41 mins: Another Newcastle corner sees Speed add a second 54 mins: Robert's wonder goal puts Newcastle in control 74 mins: Davis grabs a goal for Fulham

Defensively, Fulham's Achilles heel was their inability to deal with Newcastle's set-pieces.

Both goals came from corners, with Speed's aerial ability prominent on each occasion.

In the fourth minute, Robert's corner skimmed off Speed's head.

But Jonathan Woodgate managed to cross the ball back in and, after Alan Shearer's initial effort was blocked, O'Brien eventually forced the ball home.

Five minutes before the interval, another Newcastle corner ended with Speed heading past Van der Saar at the near post.

It could have been more had Van der Saar not kept out two fierce Robert shots as well as a Solano effort with his legs.

The Dutchman did even better to deny Solano with his feet following a Robert free-kick.

It was another class finish from Robert From Adrian Harris Have your say on 606

Fulham were finished off by a flowing Newcastle move, started and finished by Robert.

The Frenchman broke infield before feeding Jermaine Jenas, who released Kieron Dyer.

The England international crossed to Robert, who, with his back to goal, quickly adjusted his feet and then flicked the ball home with the heel of his boot.

Fulham pulled a goal back on 74 minutes when Davis found the net with a shot that went in off the right-hand post.

But Newcastle ran out convincing winners to move into fifth place in the Premiership, four points behind Charlton.

Newcastle: Given, Hughes, Woodgate, O'Brien, Bernard, Solano (Ambrose 84), Jenas, Speed, Robert (Viana 84), Dyer, Shearer (Ameobi 84).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Bramble.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Djetou, Goma, Knight, Legwinski (Volz 18), Sean Davis, Clark, Malbranque, Bocanegra, Boa Morte, Hayles (Sava 66).
Subs Not Used: Crossley, Petta, Green.

Booked: Djetou.

Attendance: 50,104.

Referee: N Barry (N Lincolnshire).