Newcastle United’s FA Cup journey came to an abrupt end in dramatic fashion as Brighton & Hove Albion secured a 2-1 victory in extra time at St James’ Park. A moment of madness from Anthony Gordon saw him sent off late in normal time, a costly decision that not only left Newcastle vulnerable but also ruled him out of the upcoming EFL Cup final against Liverpool. Danny Welbeck emerged as Brighton’s hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 114th minute to send the Seagulls into the quarter-finals.
This all-Premier League clash had everything controversy, red cards, disallowed goals, and high-intensity drama. With Newcastle already struggling with injuries, their dreams of lifting silverware took another hit as Alexander Isak limped off late on, leaving Eddie Howe with more concerns ahead of crucial fixtures.
Newcastle Strikes First Through Isak’s Penalty
Both teams started the game with attacking intent, and Newcastle had the first big opportunity just three minutes in when Isak saw his header blocked by Adam Webster. However, it was the Swedish striker who eventually broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, converting a penalty after a reckless challenge by former Newcastle player Yankuba Minteh on Tino Livramento. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Isak fired an emphatic finish past Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to give the Magpies an early lead.
Newcastle thought they had doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Isak found the net again, this time with a powerful near-post strike. However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for offside, keeping Brighton in the contest.
Minteh Haunts Former Club Before Half-Time
Minteh, who was sold to Brighton last summer, quickly redeemed himself for conceding the penalty. Just before the break, the 19-year-old winger played a smart one-two with Joao Pedro, bursting into the box and sending a left-footed strike goalward. A deflection off Kieran Trippier wrong-footed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, and the ball nestled in the net to level the score at 1-1.
Brighton’s confidence grew, and they came close again when Kaoru Mitoma forced Dubravka into action early in the second half. Newcastle, despite having strong spells of possession, struggled to create clear-cut chances as Brighton’s midfield held firm.
Gordon’s Red Card Turns the Game
With the match hanging in the balance, tensions flared in the 83rd minute when Anthony Gordon let his emotions get the better of him. After an offside call halted play, the Newcastle forward aggressively shoved Jan Paul van Hecke in the face with both hands. Referee Anthony Taylor had no choice but to brandish a straight red card, reducing Newcastle to ten men at a critical juncture.
Despite Gordon’s dismissal, Newcastle nearly snatched victory in stoppage time when Fabian Schar hammered home a stunning volley. However, VAR intervened once more, ruling the goal out for offside by the narrowest of margins. As a result, the game headed into extra time with both teams locked at 1-1.
Welbeck’s Moment of Magic Wins It for Brighton
Newcastle’s numerical disadvantage was briefly neutralised in the 92nd minute when Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey picked up a second yellow card for a late challenge on Jacob Murphy. With both sides down to ten men, the game remained finely poised.
As extra time wore on, Newcastle’s fatigue became evident, and Brighton took control. Their persistence paid off in the 114th minute when substitute Solly March played a perfect through ball to Danny Welbeck. The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward showed his class, lifting a delicate lob over the advancing Dubravka to secure Brighton’s passage to the quarter-finals.
Newcastle’s Woes Deepen
Beyond their FA Cup exit, Newcastle now face a mounting crisis. Gordon’s red card means he will serve a three-match ban, ruling him out of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on March 16, as well as Premier League clashes against West Ham and Brentford.
Additionally, Isak’s injury late in the game adds further uncertainty to Newcastle’s attack. The Swede, who has been in outstanding form with 17 goals in his last 18 matches, appeared to be in discomfort as he limped off, leaving Eddie Howe anxiously awaiting medical assessments.
With Newcastle also missing key players like Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, and Lewis Hall due to injuries, their squad depth is being severely tested. The Magpies have ambitions of securing European football next season, but these setbacks could make their campaign significantly tougher.
Brighton’s Cup Aspirations Grow
For Brighton, this victory marks another step forward in their FA Cup journey. Having reached the semi-finals last season, only to fall short on penalties, they are determined to go even further this time. Their ability to grind out results in high-stakes matches is a testament to their resilience under manager Fabian Hürzeler.
Brighton’s recent form has been impressive, winning their last four matches in all competitions. They have already beaten Newcastle at St James’ Park in the league this season, and this latest triumph will boost their confidence as they prepare for the quarter-finals.
Looking Ahead
Newcastle must regroup quickly as they prepare for crucial fixtures without Gordon and potentially Isak. Their immediate priority will be ensuring they have enough firepower for their upcoming league matches before shifting focus to the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
For Brighton, this victory strengthens their belief that they can challenge for silverware. With several big clubs already eliminated from the FA Cup, the Seagulls have a genuine chance to make history.
As the FA Cup quarter-finals loom, Brighton’s journey continues, while Newcastle is left to reflect on what could have been a campaign that promised much but ended in frustration and disappointment
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