Steve Bruce understands growing concerns about Newcastle's predicament but the under-fire manager remains 'quietly confident' of staying up despite Sunday's defeat at Manchester United.
Having been 10 points clear of the drop zone just a fortnight ago, Fulham's upturn in fortunes has seen the gap to the 17th-placed Magpies closed to a mere three points.
Newcastle have lost to Chelsea and now Manchester United in that period, although Bruce's side started well at Old Trafford on Sunday and Allan Saint-Maximin cancelled out Marcus Rashford's fine opener.
But Daniel James struck early in the second half and Bruno Fernandes' spot-kick wrapped up a 3-1 result that left the Magpies boss facing difficult questions.