Newcastle United took a major step towards Champions League qualification with a 4-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park.
Callum Wilson was instrumental in the win, scoring a late goal and assisting Bruno Gomaris. The win moved Newcastle up to third in the Premier League standings, keeping them within striking distance of European football’s elite competition.
Kieran Trippier showed off his dead ball skills and delivered a cross which led to a Deniz Indau own goal and a Dan Bern header to give the Magpies a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time.
However, Brighton showed resilience and were able to pull a goal back early in the second half through an equalizer. With hopes of an equaliser, the Seagulls pushed forward leaving gaps in their defence. Newcastle took advantage on the counter-attack, with Wilson finding the back of the net in the dying minutes of the game. Not content with just one goal, Wilson turned provider, setting up Guimaraes to seal a 4-1 victory.
Manager Eddie Howe expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly in the first half. He acknowledged the missed opportunities but stressed the need to focus on the upcoming fixture, starting with the match against Leicester City.
While Newcastle are very close to securing Champions League football, Howe urged caution, admitting the task is far from done.
Newcastle’s victory also boosts their chances of a top-four finish, with Liverpool not having to play a second leg if they fail to win against Aston Villa. Brighton, despite the defeat, are in contention for a place in the Europa League next season. Manager Roberto Di Zerbi made several changes to the lineup, aiming to keep the squad fresh after their impressive win over Arsenal.
Newcastle continued their early dominance in the match, as Undau inadvertently put the ball into his own net from a Trippier corner. In first-half stoppage time, Byrne rose above the Brighton defense to head home a Trippier free-kick, cementing Newcastle’s advantage.
The Magpies could have claimed a more comfortable victory, but a brilliant save from Jason Steele kept out Miguel Almiron from close range early in the second half. Undow then capitalized on Billy Gilmour’s through ball to provide a glimmer of hope for Brighton with a quick response.
Nevertheless, it was Newcastle who had the final say with Wilson’s goal in the 89th minute followed by an assist for Guimaraes in stoppage time.
The result has sent waves of joy through the Newcastle faithful, as their side move closer to a coveted Champions League spot.
