Magath claims first win as Fulham manager with victory over Newcastle

Published Mar. 15, 2014 1:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

Basement boys Fulham secured a vital win -- the first of Felix Magath's tenure -- at the expense of Newcastle.

With Magpies boss Alan Pardew watching via video link from the team hotel due to his three-match stadium ban for headbutting Hull's David Meyler, Fulham substitute Ashkan Dejagah hit the only goal of a 1-0 victory on 68 minutes.

Another manager under scrutiny of late has been West Brom's Pepe Mel, who had failed to deliver a win since taking the job in January.

That changed in dramatic fashion on Saturday as Youssouf Mulumbu's late strike earned the Baggies a 2-1 victory at Swansea.

Roland Lamah scored for the Swans after two minutes, only for Stephane Sessegnon to equalize in the 52nd minute. Mel then punched the air in celebration as Mulumbu bent the ball past Michael Vorm with five minutes remaining.

Stoke came from behind to enter the top half of the table, Peter Odemwingie's brace proving decisive in a 3-1 home victory over West Ham.

It took the Hammers only five minutes to take the lead through Andy Carroll but Odemwingie levelled in the 32nd minute before adding a second goal 10 minutes after Marko Arnautovic notched on 69 minutes.

Elsewhere, Sunderland remain marooned in the drop zone after playing out a goalless draw with Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light.