Rafael Benitez and his Magpies arrived at the Amex Stadium, home of the Seagulls having won three on a trot. However, history favoured Brighton and Hove Albion with Newcastle having not won there in quite a while. The game began on an even note with Newcastle displaying the instructions of their typical manager, organized and absorbing the pressure and trying to retaliate on the counters but that backfired as Tomer Hemed opened the scoring.
Brighton managed to hold on in spite of some severe pressure from Newcastle at the end and the Magpies head back to the North East after an heart-breaking loss. Here’s how they’ve been rated:-
GK: Rob Elliot – 7/10
Not at fault for the goal and had to make a fine save early on in the game to keep off March’s effort. Stretched and made a superb stop with his foot in the second half. Unlucky to have gone off the pitch without a clean-sheet.
RB: Deandre Yedlin – 6/10
He was kept on his toes by March all game and he coped well. Should do a little better when he gets into the attacking positions.
CB: Ciaran Clark – 5/10
Not his type of a performance at all as he looked like he has lost some confidence at the back.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles – 5/10
Had a mediocre game but his fault came as he gave away a free-kick which led to the goal. Didn’t organize the defence either and conceded from poor marking.
LB: Chancel Mbemba – 6/10
Held on decently on the left side and got more time to get forward to attack but the end product was absolutely disappointing. He should really improve on that aspect.
CM: Mikel Merino – 7.5/10
He looked impressive again as he passed the ball very well at times, tried to be a launchpad for Newcastle to get forward. He also had the best effort for Newcastle early on which sadly didn’t result in a goal.
CM: Isaac Hayden – 5/10
Struggled to make an impact from the centre and couldn’t keep Brighton’s attacks under control as well.
RM: Matt Ritchie – 5/10
Had a few chances to get efforts on target but finishing was abysmal today. It’s been an off day for him.
CAM: Ayoze Perez – 3/10
Wasteful and unappealing. Worst of the lot!
LM: Christian Atsu – 5/10
Struggled to grow into the game and gave away possession many times. He really needs to channel his pace and try to get the best out of it.
ST: Joselu – 4.5/10
He was absolutely lonely at the top and was left frustrated.
Substitutions
CM: Jonjo Shelvey – 6/10
Hit the post after coming on for Hayden and also his presence in the midfield was better felt as a whole.
FW: Dwight Gayle – 5/10
Had a late shot which resulted in an easy save for Ryan. Nothing extra-ordinary otherwise from the forward.
LB: Jesus Gamez – 5/10
Came on late and had nothing to make an impact from.
