Josh Maja piles the pressure on Steve Bruce and Newcastle

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Only seven points separate Newcastle United and the relegation zone.

While Steve Bruce’s side are yet to play this weekend, it’s proven to be a damaging couple of days.

First Burnley moved above us. Their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace lifted them up to 16th, with the Magpies taking their place in 17th.

Then West Brom picked up an unlikely point against Manchester United – and it could have been all three had they taken their chances.

And finally, and most importantly, Fulham closed the gap to seven points.

They picked up a vital win against Everton, replicating our 2-0 win at Goodison Park the other week.

Scott Parker’s side were completely dominant, and didn’t look like a side threatened by relegation.

Josh Maja was the hero for Fulham, scoring twice on his debut.

The former Sunderland striker looks like he could be the missing piece of the jigsaw at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have struggled for goals all season, particularly with former Magpie Aleksander Mitrovic out of favour.

But with two poacher’s goals on his debut, Maja looks like he’s going to be an excellent addition.

That should come as no surprise to Newcastle, who were reportedly interested in signing Maja back in 2019.

While Fulham have added a goal-scorer, Newcastle have lost one. Callum Wilson is set to be out for up to eight weeks – a severe blow to our survival hopes.

The gap between ourselves and the relegation zone has decreased from 10 points to seven, and it could only get smaller in the coming weeks.

We face a tough run of fixtures, with trips to Chelsea and Manchester United followed by a home game against Wolves.

Meanwhile, Fulham take on Burnley, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.

Newcastle United are far from safe from relegation. Despite some big wins in recent weeks, a former Black Cat has piled the pressure on Steve Bruce.