Sanchez the new favourite to drop

LAWRIE SANCHEZ admits his plans to spend his way out of trouble have been put in jeopardy by the club's unwanted arrival in the Premier League relegation zone.

The former Northern Ireland manager began the weekend with a few harsh words for the “morally suspect” bookmakers who had been busy accepting bets on the likelihood of his sacking.

But following an abject performance in front of their own fans and a 1-0 loss to an equally inept Newcastle side, those turf accountants had little difficulty in landing a blow in retaliation.

Sanchez was no longer the second most likely boss to be handed a P45, one major firm announced minutes after Joey Barton’s penalty winner, but the new front-runner.

Wigan, who beat Blackburn 5-3, are the visitors next week and failure to beat a side that is now just a single point behind Fulham would surely spell the end for Sanchez, who has presided over just two wins this season.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce admitted this dour game was no classic but was delighted that his players had conjured up a late winner and their first away success since the opening day of the season.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Niemi 7, Omozusi 7, Hughes 6, Stefanovic 6, Bocanegra 6, Davies 6, Murphy 7, Davis 6 (Kuqi 75, 5), Bouazza 6, Healy 6, Dempsey 7.

Subs Not Used: Warner, Ki-Hyeon, Smertin, Baird.

NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Given 7, N’Zogbia 6, Rozehnal 6, Cacapa 6, Beye 6, Geremi 6 (Emre 59, 6), Butt 7, Barton 8, Milner 7, Smith 7, Martins 6 (Viduka 77, 5).

Subs Not Used: Harper, Jose Enrique, Edgar.

REFEREE: Howard Webb (South Yorkshire) 6: A big call for the decisive penalty, but even Lawrie Sanchez conceded he was right to give it.

MATCH RATING: ** A real turkey, although Newcastle are feeling more festive after consecutive wins. Fulham must be fearing a long winter.