Newcastle’s aspirations for European football took a hit as Brighton thwarted their ambitions in the final home match of the Premier League season at St James’ Park.
Sean Longstaff equalized Joel Veltman’s opener just before half-time, ensuring Newcastle maintained their record of scoring in every home league fixture in a top-flight season for the first time since 1958-59.
The home side, spurred by an impressive pre-match flag display by their supporters, dominated the early proceedings and much of the game thereafter. However, it was Brighton, posing a threat on the counter, who grabbed the lead in the 18th minute through Veltman’s close-range strike following a corner that Newcastle failed to clear.
Newcastle’s perseverance paid off as Longstaff converted from Elliot Anderson’s pass, courtesy of Anthony Gordon’s energetic play.
Despite Gordon’s late goal being disallowed for offside, Eddie Howe’s team couldn’t secure a winner in the second half, leaving their European football aspirations hanging in the balance.
With Tottenham’s win against Burnley placing them six points ahead in fifth place, Newcastle now anxiously await Chelsea and Manchester United’s matches, hoping they don’t close the gap later this weekend.
Newcastle slip in race for Europe
Newcastle, fueled by the enthusiasm of their supporters, aimed to conclude the season positively at St James’ Park. However, they were left disappointed and must now hope that this result does not prove costly at the end of the campaign.
Despite their determination and efforts, Newcastle struggled to create clear chances early on, with Jacob Murphy’s long-range effort their only shot on target in the first 30 minutes.
The absence of Callum Wilson, who was not in the matchday squad after scoring two goals in three games since his return from injury, was felt as Newcastle couldn’t capitalize on Longstaff’s equalizer, which had lifted the crowd before halftime.
Both Alexander Isak and Longstaff were denied by Bart Verbruggen, with Tariq Lamptey making a crucial intervention to stop Gordon’s progress towards goal.
Gordon impressed once again with his energetic and influential performance, further bolstering his chances of making England’s squad for Euro 2024. While he did not get an assist for Longstaff’s goal, his contribution was crucial as he made a darting run into the penalty area before setting up Anderson.
Newcastle, currently in sixth place, may still secure Europa League football if they maintain their position – they have a significantly better goal difference than Chelsea and Manchester United, their next opponents. This scenario could also depend on Manchester City winning the FA Cup later this month.
“I don’t think we hit the heights we needed to win it but, if anyone was going to, I thought it would be us,” manager Howe told BBC Sport.
“If you’re not going to win the game, the draw for us is really important. I think it could be a valuable point for us.”
Brighton on course for top-half finish
Having ended a six-match winless run in the league against top-four hopefuls Aston Villa last week, this was another positive result for Brighton at the end of an inconsistent, injury-disrupted season.
Roberto de Zerbi said this week he was “disappointed for the past three months” but “for the rest, we have to be proud of this season” – one which brought the club’s first European adventure.
Captain Lewis Dunk could not hide his frustration with his team-mates as the Seagulls struggled to settle, but Veltman’s opener allowed them to threaten frequently on the counter and Julio Enciso had several good chances to improve his side’s position.
It was ultimately their determination in defence that earned them a point, which leaves them 10th in the standings as they aim for a top-half finish with two home games remaining.
“My conclusion is it was a fair result. We suffered too much, especially in the second half,” manager De Zerbi said.
“I am very proud of the performance and we would like to finish the season in the first 10 places. After all the problems we [have had] this season, [that would be] a great result.”