Fulham Vs. Newcastle United, 2012 Premier League: Clint Dempsey Scores Hat Trick In 5-2 Win

Fulham and Newcastle played a rather lifeless first half of football, finally brought out of their sleepy and conservative strategies by an absolutely stunning 43rd minute goal from Danny Guthrie. The Newcastle midfielder hit a ridiculous shot from 25 yards that almost broke the back of the net, sending Newcastle into halftime up 1-0. From then on, it was Clint Dempsey and Fulham's game.

The equalizer came on a penalty by Danny Murphy, drawn by Andy Johnson in the 52nd minute. The go-ahead goal was a sloppy and slightly lucky one, with Dempsey touching a saved Bobby Zamora shot into the back of the net with his midsection in the 59th minute. That gave his team a lead that they would not relinquish, as they went on to win 5-2.

Dempsey's second was much better, a great right-footed strike to the far post from 15 yards in the 65th. The fourth goal was also a penalty, and an incorrectly given one at that. Johnson dove comically when Tim Krul made incidental contact and the spot kick was inexplicably given, with Zamora converting.

Hatem Ben Arfa pulled one back with an absolutely brilliant 85th minute goal, but the Cottagers would have the last laugh. Their fifth was the goal that completed Dempsey's hat trick, with the American finishing off a pass by Zamora on a counter attack in the 89th minute.