- Newcastle fell to defeat by Brighton as they failed to break down their opponents
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It was a disappointing return to Premier League action for Newcastle following the international break as they fell to defeat at home by Brighton.
And who was responsible for making ‘too many mistakes defensively’? Who ‘faded’ when his side fell behind? And who, ultimately, ‘cost his side’?
It was Danny Welbeck whose goal was the difference as he continued his fine form this season before being stretchered off, but Fabian Hurzeler’s side kept a clean sheet to take the points.
For Newcastle, it’s now back-to-back games without scoring for Eddie Howe‘s side, with the Magpies now picking up just two points from their last four matches in a concerning blip of form.
Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE was at St James’ Park to rate the players.
Danny Welbeck scored the winner for Brighton as they got the better of Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday
Eddie Howe’s side have now picked up just two points from their last four Premier League matches
Brighton, meanwhile, were worth the win despite having to ride their luck on occasions
Newcastle (4-3-3)
Nick Pope – 6.5
Was a spectator for opening 35 minutes before being beaten with first shot on his goal. Made a couple of big saves after that to keep his side in it.
Tino Livramento – 5
Real purpose in attack and best he has shown all season during bright start, but was then too soft in preventing Welbeck from bustling clear for opener. Too many mistakes defensively.
Fabian Schar – 5.5
Too laid back for Brighton goal and had to do more to stop Welbeck one-two with Rutter. Lovely ball over top to send Gordon clear.
Dan Burn – 6.5
Passed fitness test to play but was one of his team’s better performers in the end. Made huge block at 1-0 and there were other interventions when Brighton looked to break clear.
Dan Burn passed a fitness test to play and was one of Newcastle’s better performers in the end
Sandro Tonali was good when the team was good but faded once the home side fell behind
Lewis Hall – 6
Lucky to escape when he misjudged cross and Burn was forced to block from Kadioglu. Still, was tidy on ball going forward and looks to be settling in left back role.
Sandro Tonali – 5.5
He was good when the team was good but faded once Brighton led. Still below the levels of which he is capable. The midfield needs more than flashes, and that’s all he’s offering at present.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7
Was at the heart of brilliant Newcastle opening, picking passes and linking play. Through ball for Isak chance was majestic but he tired second half, which was expected after South American travel this week.
Joelinton – 6
Put himself about and never stopped, but quality on ball missing. Still searching for levels that earned him a bumper contract earlier this year.
Jacob Murphy – 5
Part of what was so positive about Newcastle early on, linking well with Livramento and Tonali and using his pace to get in behind. But, as too often is the case, his final ball was missing.
Alexander Isak – 4.5
Missed two huge changes at 0-0 – an air kick from close range and straight at ‘keeper when sent clear. Lacking confidence and sharpness post injury. Kept at it, but certainly not his day. Misses cost his side.
Anthony Gordon – 5.5
Set tone early on when charging down Brighton ‘keeper on a couple of occasions and looked happy and incisive back on favoured left. But then missed glorious chance when clear at 1-0 and second-half display was sloppy.
Alexander Isak missed two huge chances at 0-0 and lacked sharpness on return from injury
Anthony Gordon set the tone early but missed a glorious chance when his side were behind
Substitutes
Harvey Barnes (on for Murphy 65) – 6
Joe Willock (on for Tonali 65) – 5
Sean Longstaff (on for Gordon 85) – 5
Miguel Almiron (on for Guimaraes 85) – 5
William Osula (on for Hall 92) – 5
Manager
Eddie Howe – 6
Sent his team out on the front foot and they were brilliant for 35 minutes. But they lost their way and ran out of ideas after that.
Brighton (4-4-2)
Verbruggen 7; Veltman 6.5, Dunk 6.5, Igor Julio 6, Kadioglu 6; Rutter 7 (Estupinan 72, 6), Baleba 7.5 (Wieffer 71, 5), Hinshelwood 6, Ayari 6 (Enciso 82); Ferguson 4.5 (Mitoma 60, 6), Welbeck 8 (Van Hecke 81)
Subs not used: Gruda, Moder, Lamptey, Steele
Manager: Fabian Hurzeler 6.5