Newcastle United slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. The Magpies looked to have rescued a point after Nick Waltemade scored in the 76th minute to cancel ...
Newcastle United slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The Magpies looked to have rescued a point after Nick Waltemade scored in the 76th minute to cancel out the advantage of Danny Welbeck’s opener.
But the former England striker stunned the visitors by sweeping home an 84th-minute winner to seal maximum points for the Seagulls.
The defeat is a big blow to Newcastle’s hopes of securing a Champions League berth this season, as the result keeping them in 12th place in the Premier League.
However, their supporters can still take some encouragement from the positives we have discussed below.
Not an easy fixture
Facing Brighton at the Amex Stadium is not an easy fixture.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have been unbeaten at their home ground this campaign, with the Albion defeating Champions League teams Manchester City and Chelsea at the venue.
Tottenham Hotspur also couldn’t return with full points from the Amex after playing out a 2-2 draw in September.
There were individual mistakes, but Newcastle players put out their best efforts against Brighton.
On another day the Tyneside club would have at least got a point that their efforts warranted.
Decent performance
Despite individual errors, Newcastle produced a decent performance at the Amex.
Nick Pope, who recently extended his contract until 2027, made some brilliant saves to deny Georginio Rutter and Maxim De Cuyper.
Defender Malick Thiaw made some crucial interventions, while Bruno Guimaraes also intercepted well to deny Yankuba Minteh.
Brighton dominated the opening half, but Eddie Howe made changes at the break and Newcastle were much better in the second-half.
Woltemade’s superb run of form
Nick Woltemade has hit the ground running at St James’ Park since joining the club for £69 million in the summer.
The German has already scored five goals in eight appearances across all competitions.
Woltemade didn’t receive much service in Saturday’s clash against Brighton, but he produced a moment of magic late on by flicking home Lewis Miley’s cross to level the scores.
Newcastle supporters will hope the towering striker continues his brilliant form when the team hosts Benfica for their third Champions League game of the campaign.
Stats from Transfermarkt
Category: General Sports
