Three points from Tyneside: Newcastle 0-1 Brighton photos
The longest away journey of the season ended in success for the Albion as our photos from Newcastle 0-1 Brighton show.
St James’ Park has proven a difficult venue for away teams to visit in 2024. Before Brighton rocked up, Manchester City were the only other team to leave Tyneside with victory. And that was way back in January.
Fabian Hurzeler arrived with a very different game plan to the Albion’s last away fixture, when a defensive horror show saw Chelsea run out 4-2 winners at Stamford Bridge.
Hurzeler abandoned his high line for the day. 4-2-3-1 went out the window and in came 4-4-2. Brighton did not name an out-and-out winger in their XI with that midfield four instead consisting of central players.
It set a very clear challenge to Newcastle… come and break us down. And when the Saudi Sportswashers were unable to do so, Hurzeler’s pragmatism delivered a huge three points for the Albion.
A series of inspired saves from Bart Verbruggen kept Newcastle out over the course of the 90 minutes.
At the other end, Danny Welbeck netted his fifth goal in eight Premier League matches to decide the game in favour of the Albion.
Lewis Dunk hit a raking pass 60 yards up the pitch and onto the chest of Welbeck. Dat Guy exchanged a quick one-two with Georginio Rutter, getting him in one-on-one for a clinical finish rifled beyond Nick Pope.
Pope provided one of the best sights in football in the last minute as a goalkeeper going up for a corner. The colossal Verbruggen claimed the delivery in the game’s final act.
Supreme goalkeeping from Verbruggen was a fitting precursor to the full time whistle and sparked wild scenes of celebration up in the Gods amongst the travelling Seagulls support.
If you have any photos you would like included in our Newcastle 0-1 Brighton gallery please e-mail them to wearebrighton@hotmail.co.uk or tweet them to us @wearebrighton
