Newcastle 1 Brighton 1: Toon suffer huge blow in race for Europa League places as Seagulls earn draw
NEWCASTLE tripped up to ensure the nerviest of endings in their battle to land Europe.
Four wins from five had the Magpies motoring towards the Europa League.
After the season from hell in terms of injuries, it would be some achievement.
Forget sixth, Newcastle had Tottenham and fifth in their sights.
Yet this hiccup at the worst possible time, despite them remaining sixth, means it is sure to go right down to the wire.
While far the worst performance, Eddie Howe’s Mags never did enough to see off Brighton.
They’ve been scoring goals for fun recently but their front line faltered badly here.
Alexander Isak has been in deadly form recently but the Swedish striker turned in his worst performance for months.
Next up is a trip to Manchester United and a ground they have won at just once in the league since 1972.
And they may well have to break that hoodoo on Wednesday if they are to close out a European spot.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
This was hardly a disaster but there were glum faces everywhere at full-time after this slip.
The Geordies were in fine voice from the off following their recent run, creating a carnival atmosphere in the sunshine.
While Brighton had nothing to play for other than finishing in the top half, Newcastle needed a win to strengthen their grip on sixth.
Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi was going potty on the touchline in the early stages as his side struggled to get out.
But they soon took control and the travelling fans were jumping with joy 18 minutes in.
Danny Welbeck glanced Pascal Gross’ corner towards the back post and Veltman outmuscled Elliot Anderson to bundle home beyond Martin Dubravka.
A huge dent to Newcastle’s European hopes, the locals grew increasingly frustrated as their lads toiled.
As Brighton bossed possession, Toon struggled to find any rhythm or momentum.
It took 34 minutes for them to create a good chance but Longstaff could only no a corner into the ground and straight at a grateful Bart Verbruggen from three yards.
Finally some encouragement, yet Newcastle could not build on it and were lucky not to be 2-0 down.
Cut to shreds down their right, Danny Welbeck played Simon Adingra into acres of space before the winger charged towards the box and picked out an unmarked Julio Enciso at the back post, only for the Paraguayan to spoon a header well over.
Yet just as Eddie Howe must have been considering changes at the break, the hosts levelled up with the last kick of the first half.
In front of England boss Gareth Southgate, Anthony Gordon did the damage with a mazy dribble into the box before finding Elliot Anderson, who squared it for Longstaff to tap home his sixth of the season.
It means Newcastle have scored in every home game this campaign, the first time they have managed to do so in the top-flight since 1958-59.
The start of the second half settled quickly into the same rhythm as the first with Brighton passing it around at will.
But they struggled to make inroads, with the Magpies’ direct approach causing all sorts of problems without being able to fashion out any big chances.
A cagey affair, the game desperately needed a spark.
Howe called for the cavalry with 25 minutes remaining, bringing Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron and Joelinton on.
Toon desperately needed an injection of energy, yet it was the visitors who continued to look the more threatening as the clock ticked on.
One for the defences, both sides lacked quality in the final third.
And nothing summed that up more than when Barnes blazed miles over from the penalty spot after being teed up by Gordon.
The winger had a chance to redeem himself moments later, but his shot from the left side of the box was tame and straight at Verbruggen.
They thought they’d won it in the dying moments when Almiron squared it for Gordon to tap home, but the Paraguayan was inches offside and the Geordies had to settle for an underwhelming point in their final outing at St James’ Park.
Here is how the action unfolded…