Newcastle 4-1 Brighton: Magical scenes at SJP as Mags silence doubters in style
A memorable night at St James' Park and mammoth step towards a top-four finish, as Newcastle United saw off Brighton in a magical night on Tyneside to move three points away from securing Champions League football.
Before the game, some feared we were running out of steam and feeling the pressure after Liverpool's run of victories sent them just one point behind us ahead of kick-off.
It's always been in our hands and we grabbed the opportunity with both hands, rising to the occasion and silencing those who feared we'd be turned over by a Brighton side that battered Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend.
The first half was electric in every sense. We could’ve sat off Brighton, let them dominate possession - as they often do - and looked to hit them on the break. Not Howe’s high-intensity Mags! Instead, we pressed from the front, gave them no time to play out and played with intensity - both on and off the ball - in a five-star first 45.
We smothered them from front to back, winning our man-to-man battles and every loose ball. We looked far more balanced, just needed to finish the chances coming our way. Schar stung Steele’s palms with a powerful effort from range, Willock fired wide, Almiron blazed over and Burn almost snuck one in after a smart turn, but it was Brighton’s Caicedo who handed us a lead, glancing Trippier’s corner into his own net. 1-0!
It was a goal that had been coming, but we weren’t done there. After a vital last ditch challenge from Botman (how vital does that look now?!), we went down the other end and won a free kick. Trippier delivered and Burn rose highest, planting a header past Steele to send St James’ wild. The 2-0 cushion our dominance deserved and the perfect end to an outstanding first 45.
We still had a job to do, as this Brighton team proved at the Emirates what a dangerous side they are. It was noticeable straight from the restart that they’d come out with belief they could turn this around. Our intensity dropped slightly and they were starting to find gaps, but we had a golden chance to make it three, only for Miggy to fire a point blank volley at Steele after Willock's cushioned header.
They continued to play out from the back and found a way through our tiring midfield, as Gilmour burst into space and set Undav away. The striker held off Schar and slid beyond Pope to make it 2-1. Game on and anxiety levels increased inside St James' Park - but the lads didn't let that get to them.
We were knackered and carrying so many knocks. Willock went off with a hamstring pull, Joelinton was soldiering on, Bruno was giving his all despite that ankle issue and Trippier also went down holding a muscle. Tensions were high and they were growing into the game just as we were running on empty, but our never say die spirit and determination to stay ahead was snuffing out each attack or half chance they managed to muster.
Then, in the 89th minute, Wilson beat the offside trap and burst clear after some brilliant play from Miggy - who was outstanding from start to finish. Our No 9 had plenty to do and an onrushing Steele to beat, but he held his nerve and sent the Gallowgate wild, restoring our two-goal lead and sending the Gallowgate wild in the process. 3-1!
Three points sealed and it got even better a couple of minutes into stoppage time. Wilson was involved once again, only this time he turned in the box and laid off for Bruno who smashed home to make it four! Magical scenes followed and a huge sense of emotion swirled around the stadium.
It wasn't just a win, it was the nature of it. From fearing a 2-2 draw to winning it in style, coming on strong in a game that threatened to get away from us and boosting the goal difference in the process!
Nothing sums up the character of Eddie Howe's Mags and this group of lads like the way we reacted to adversity and powered past Brighton in those final stages. We could've dropped deep, hoping to hang on and limp over the line, but we dug in and delivered everything that we love about this new-look Newcastle - organised, energetic, decisive and devastating. We no longer wilt when big moments arrive, we thrive and feed off a fanbase in love with its football club again.
It isn't done yet and we've come away with a couple of new injury concerns, but we have every reason to celebrate a truly massive three points and performance to be proud of.
Next up, a chance to secure Champions League football with a win over Leicester on Monday. Let's make this count and go again next week.
HOWAY THE LADS!
