Discover how Welbeck’s decisive strike and Verbruggen’s remarkable saves led to a thrilling 1-0 victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Introduction:
Brighton & Hove Albion were able to make it three wins on the trot as they moved closer to the top four in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday. Danny Welbeck’s goal in the first half, combined with the fine appearances made by Bart Verbruggen in goal, proved too much for the hosts to handle as they failed to capitalize on many chances that might have seen them claim at least a share of the spoils.
See also: Saliba’s Red Card Costs Arsenal in 2-0 Defeat to Bournemouth: Premier League
Early Domination from Newcastle
Newcastle began strongly in the first 15 minutes with a do-or-die approach after key players were rested the last time out with injuries, mainly Alexander Isak; who had not featured in the last two games with a broken toe. The Swedish striker led by example, and within minutes his shot power was blocked by team-mate Jacob Murphy. Newcastle continued their relentless pressure against Bournemouth as Bruno Guimaraes flicked a pass to Isak, but the striker’s close-range effort was saved wonderfully by Verbruggen.
Even though Newcastle dominated the early stages of the game, they failed to utilize their scoring opportunity. This would prove to be a theme throughout the match.
Welbeck Punishes Wasteful Newcastle
Brighton, largely on the back foot for much of the opening exchanges, took advantage of a Newcastle lapse in defense in the 35th minute. Welbeck combined magnificently with Georginio Rutter, executing a quick one-two before slotting the ball calmly past Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope, right in front of him. That was against the run of play, but that’s a classic Brighton sequence, striking with precision when opportunities arise.
It was Verbruggen who stood tall to deny attempts when Newcastle’s wastefulness in front of goal really began to show, coming into the fray on several occasions, even thwarting an absolutely fierce effort from Anthony Gordon just before halftime.
Verbruggen pulls off some great saves as Newcastle waste chances galore
He, perhaps, was the hero of the match: Bart Verbruggen proved to be an act for Brighton, in particular when he made crucial saves down on that stretch against Isak and Joelinton. That would keep the Seagulls in control. Newcastle’s attacking barrage, especially in the second half, was repeated thwarted by the Dutch shot-stopper whose presence between the posts frustrated the home side.
New hopes about a possible comeback in the game were smashed when Dan Burn’s late goal strike was ruled out due to offside. Burn, who tried lobbing Verbruggen in the dying minutes, was in clear offside, thus the score remained 1-0.
Expensive Brighton Win
Brighton celebrated with three points at Alderley Park, but this came with the injury cost. Match-winner Danny Welbeck had been stretchered away from the field nine minutes left on the game after a collision with Fabian Schar in an injury which Brighton can’t afford to lose.
Isak’s return has not changed Newcastle’s struggles.
Alexander Isak returned to the Newcastle starting lineup after missing matches against Manchester City and Everton, and his return home to some easy prey was an important factor in Newcastle returning home. The spot on the left wing that really suited Gordon opened up because Isak now started up front. Newcastle had an imbalanced attack and could not find the back of the net, with Isak trying to get back to form after injury.
But by the time Newcastle could truly begin to do anything of significance, Isak had gifted his team the advantage. In the 33rd minute, Sandro Tonali almost released him clean in one end, but Isak was thwarted for the second time of the night by Verbruggen as his effort was blocked.
Gordon was similarly frustrated as Brighton’s defense proved resolute, and Verbruggen produced some quite world-class reflex saves in the process as the teams went into the break on level terms.
Hurzeler’s Tactical Adjustment
Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton’s manager, made some very bold decisions, such as benching the club’s key players Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh, the two instrumental lads behind their win over Spurs. Sitting them out after the international break did pay off as his side defended valiantly. In an unfamiliar left-wing role, Ferdi Kadioglu in makeshift left-back, was seen at first to be struggling, but he eventually adapted to the game as Brighton started to play to their rhythm, with Yasin Ayari opening up space for him on the opposite flank.
Most early questions over Hurzeler’s tactics – like playing very high up their defense – were quashed with this win, but Brighton weathered the storm with Verbruggen heroics and Welbeck finishing to hold on for another hard-fought win.
Both Brighton and Burnley face significant challenges going forward:
Brighton will feel that the win is a statement of their intent in their pursuit toward European qualification. Wolves is the next opponent, and Hurzeler expects his team to continue its form as Welbeck has been injured.
Conclusion:
However, Newcastle need to work on scoring chances. They dominated the ball and had countless half-chances but could not convert. This defeat has Newcastle winless for their last four games in Premier League, dropping them down to eighth on the table. There is so much work to be done when Eddie Howe’s team head out to Chelsea next time.
Brighton’s 1-0 win over Newcastle was a perfect example on how resilience and clinical finishing can turn things around in a challenging away fixture. While Newcastle will be seething at their performance at goal, Brighton shows that they have grown under Hurzeler in digging deep to pick up points.