Newcastle 1 Brighton 1 – Frustration and not fun in the sun BUT this point could be crucial

In partnership with

The Mag

·11 May 2024

Newcastle 1 Brighton 1 – Frustration and not fun in the sun BUT this point could be crucial

Newcastle 1 Brighton 1 – Saturday 11 May 3pm

It looked like it was going to be fun in the sun the way United started.

OneFootball Videos

Two corners in the opening couple of minutes and it looked like Newcastle could round off their home campaign in style.

However, with Brighton defending well and cutting out low crosses time and again, it was then the visitors who got on top.

A 10-15 minute spell where they looked ever more dangerous, culminating in the opening goal on 18 minutes. A corner poorly defended and Anderson allowing Veltman to get the wrong side of him at the back post to finish.

There was no lack of effort to get back into it but against a dangerous Brighton side on transition, every chance of going two down if losing possession.

Newcastle creating a clear chance just after the half hour mark when a deep corner reached Sean Longstaff but his close range header straight at the keeper.

A few minutes later and Brighton’s biggest threat almost laying on a second, Enciso’s clever ball in behind leaving Welbeck with the chance one on one but his touch not so clever, allowing Dubravka to finally grab the ball.

It wasn’t the referee’s fault why Newcastle United were behind but he was appalling. Repeatedly holding play up instead of letting Newcastle get on with it and you can’t blame Brighton for wasting time but the ref has to do something about it, the time taken on goal-kicks especially frustrating.

Enciso should then have made it two himself, Brighton on transition and the cross from the left seeing him unmarked six yards out but a terrible header over the top.

Then just when it looked like United were going in behind, salvation.

Down the left Newcastle had looked the best, with Hall, Gordon and Anderson working well together.

This time a great run from Gordon laying it off to Anderson deep in the box and when he pulled it back, Longstaff finished off a great team move when shooting home from six yards out.

Big relief all round but after the break that didn’t spark any real momentum as the game became very scrappy, I just checked the stats and it was nine fouls in the match by United and 16 by the visitors but it felt far more. As it was so stop-start.

The service to Isak had been all but non-existent and he drifted out wide on the right and showed how it was done, his excellent low ball left Gordon with a tap in at the far post, only for Lamptey to somehow get a toe to the ball whilst running back towards his own goal.

With just over twenty minutes to go, no surprise to see a triple change, though a massive surprise when Isak was one of those going off. Eddie Howe never afraid to do what he thinks is right.

To be fair, United were creating little and a change was needed.

Eddie Howe wanting Gordon through the middle and Barnes left, with Almiron right. Longstaff and Murphy making way. Joelinton introduced to loud cheers.

As the game neared its conclusion Newcastle were very much on top and more dangerous, both teams looking exhausted though as the sunshine drained them, as well as long seasons.

A lot of the football was walking pace but Bruno desperately driving United forward, trying to make the difference and at the heart of all our moves.

With six minutes to go Anderson played in Barnes on the left but from an angle shot straight at the keeper.

Then the big moment only 60 seconds later.

A very good move ending up with Anderson slipping in Almiron who squared for Gordon to tap home.

VAR showing clearly offside although by very little, Almiron should have held his run, or arguably Anderson should have played it a fraction sooner.

Almiron then played in again in added time, the defender challenging and the Paraguayan going down just inside the box. ACtion replays showed Almiron had dived for the penalty, very daft in the age of VAR when otherwise he was in behind the defence if staying on his feet.

Harsh to blame him though as he’d looked lively when coming on.

Harsh to blame anybody really as this was a day when Newcastle United gave their all BUT credit too Brighton for playing some nice football at times and arguably deserving their point.

Speaking of a point.

Things very much in the hands of Newcastle United due to that point. Even if Chelsea and/or Man U win this weekend, the point ensures United will stay sixth and if winning their last two matches will be guaranteed top six, no matter results elsewhere.

I think fair to say we will see a different team selection at Old Trafford.

Stats via BBC Sport:

Newcastle 1 Brighton 1 – Saturday 11 May 3pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Longstaff 45+5

Brighton:

Veltman 18

(Half-time stats in brackets)

Possession was Brighton 45% (40%) Newcastle 55% (60%)

Total shots were Brighton 15 (10) Newcastle 18 (10)

Shots on target were Brighton 4 (3) Newcastle 7 (4)