Welbeck scores extra-time winner for Brighton at Newcastle

Danny Welbeck propelled Brighton into the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday with a decisive extra-time goal in their 2-1 victory over Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

The former Arsenal forward, a two-time FA Cup winner, came off the bench to deliver the crucial strike in the 114th minute.

With the match poised at 1-1 and seemingly heading for penalties, Welbeck executed a superb finish, lifting the ball over Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from a tight angle.

The 34-year-old timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and latched onto Solly March’s through ball, expertly clipping the shot into the net despite running away from goal.

Newcastle had taken an early lead through Alexander Isak’s 22nd-minute penalty, but Yankuba Minteh equalized just before halftime in the 44th minute.

The match saw tempers flare, with both teams reduced to 10 men in the second half.

Anthony Gordon was sent off for Newcastle in the 83rd minute, followed by Tariq Lamptey for Brighton during added time.

Newcastle thought they had snatched victory in extra time when Fabian Schar found the back of the net, but VAR overturned the goal for offside.

Welbeck’s late heroics marked Brighton’s fifth consecutive win across all competitions, while Newcastle’s hopes of ending a 70-year domestic trophy drought now rest on their upcoming English League Cup final against Liverpool later this month.