In the first half, Newcastle took the lead via an own goal by Deniz Undav and a Dan Burn header. Undav scored for Brighton in response, moving them up to sixth place as they try to qualify for Europe for the first time.
While Newcastle missed opportunities and the visitors threatened to score an equalizer, there were plenty of jitters around St James’ Park. However, late goals from Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes incited a festive atmosphere within the stadium. While a top-four finish is still not guaranteed, Newcastle’s players made the most of the cheers after the final whistle. They only need one victory from their remaining two games to be certain.
A Top-Four Finish Approaches
With three games remaining, Eddie Howe’s team leads fourth-placed Manchester United with 69 points. Liverpool has 65, and there are only two more games for them. For the first time in 20 years, Newcastle will play in the Champions League if they defeat relegation-threatened Leicester City at home on Monday.
Howe told Sky Sports, “We were brilliant tonight. We were at our best during the opening frame. I believed we were unrelenting. It is quite challenging to keep that during the entire game. The throng aided in getting us through the gate. A third goal was really important. If we could (qualify for the Champions League), that would be amazing. We don’t take anything for granted because this is the Premier League.
- Brighton responded to Newcastle’s lead with Undav’s own goal.
- Newcastle will play in the Champions League if they defeat Leicester City.
- Newcastle took the lead after 22 minutes when Trippier’s corner was converted by Undav.
Early on, Newcastle had the upper hand. After 22 minutes, a corner kick from Kieran Trippier sailed over Undav’s head and into the net, giving Newcastle the lead. In first-half stoppage time, Burn, a former Brighton defender, leaped to head in another Trippier delivery, giving Newcastle their second goal.
After the break, Brighton’s Jason Steel kept his team in the game with a quick stop to deny Miguel Almiron. However, the visitors cut the lead in half when Billy Gilmour opened Newcastle’s defense and Undav slid a shot past Nick Pope.
After being sent sprinting clear by Almiron in the final minute, Wilson increased his league tally for the season to 18 goals, and in stoppage time, Guimaraes scored from close range.
Even though one of their final three games is against defending champion Manchester City, Brighton needs two victories to guarantee that they will compete in Europe next season.
