With Cardiff’s loss to Fulham, Brighton had the opportunity to almost guarantee their safety in the Premier League, but the Seagulls were held by Newcastle who were fortunate to leave the Amex with a point.
Chris Hughton’s side began the match in much the same way they had started their last two, defensively and cautiously. The host’s play was sloppy in the opening minutes with various mistakes leading to Newcastle opportunities. Ayoze Perez almost seized one of these opportunities when he dribbled his way through Dunk and Duffy only to get clattered on his way through the back line.
The Spaniard would eventually depart the pitch injured in the 33rd minute; however, he would not leave before making his mark on the match. Brighton’s sloppy play allowed Paul Dummett to pick out Salomon Rondon who chested the pall to Perez. The man who scored a hat-trick in his last match had little to do as he nonchalantly volleyed the ball into the roof of the net.
After such an early goal the Seagulls would begin to change their tune, but the first half would show little improvement; the second half was a different story, however. After the break, Shane Duffy would begin proceedings by heading the ball just over the bar much to the dismay of Hughton and the Brighton faithful at the Amex.
Luckily for the hosts, there would be more opportunities. In a very familiar turn of events, Bruno crossed the ball to meet a leaping Glenn Murray; the veteran striker’s pass met Pascal Groß who struck the ball past Dubravaka sending the Amex into a frenzy.
The goal would encourage Brighton and the provider for the 1st goal, Murray, had a golden opportunity to seal the game and possibly save the Seagulls for the possibility of relegation. Yet it was not to be as the Englishman’s headed effort soared over the bar, wasting March’s perfect cross.
The hosts finally found themselves at the end of the match, but it turned out to be too late; an ominous omen perhaps considering their fight against relegation and their recent form. Newcastle did enough to secure a draw but wasted several chances in the first half which could have won them the match.
Brighton edge nearer to survival with rare goal
The last time Brighton scored in a league match was over a month ago. The team finally found its will to attack in the second half of this match. What seemed to be drive and determination were finally making their comeback at the Amex.
With Cardiff losing their match against an already related Fulham, Brighton were aware of what they had to accomplish; at least one would think they would be aware. The first half definitely suggested they were not, but the second half showed that the Seagulls realised that their destiny as a team and club was in their own hands. It was the first time in a while where Brighton looked like an actual football team with fight and desire.
It may have ended in a draw, and it may be true that Seagulls are not safe yet, but today’s display showed that the team is indeed capable of pulling away from Cardiff. Belief, positive play, and determination are returning to the team, and fans will be hopeful that despite the late return, the team’s efforts will not be in vain.
Newcastle miss chances to punish Seagulls
Newcastle have become quite impressive haven’t they? To consider their situation a few months ago and then to watch them play the football they are playing now is exciting and perhaps unexpected. The Baggies dominated the 1st half with several excellent chances against a Brighton side that looked aloof before their epiphany in the 2nd half.
It was Brighton’s lack of concentration that should have been capitalised upon more effectively. The hosts seemed to lose hope after the first goal, and Benitez and the Magpies should have made sure to crush whatever hope was left during the 1st half. Yet they would miss their chances and allow the Seagulls to recoup and compose themselves.
Luckily their lack of surety in attack was not reflected in defence as well. On the contrary, the team was very solid during Brighton’s onslaught in the second half. The injury to one of their star attacking players, Ayoze Perez, may have had something to do with the lack of cutting edge, and Benitez and the rest of Newcastle will be hoping the Spaniard’s injury is not too severe.
Brighton can’t count on old heroes
Pascal Groß and Jose Izquierdo were the backbones of Brighton’s attack last season, but they have been anonymous in the current campaign. The goal today by the German midfielder, Groß, was fortunate, yet it cannot mask the fact that injury has greatly affected his ability to contribute to the team. The Colombian winger, Izquierdo, was also sidelined for some time affecting his current form.
As great as they were last season, the pair should not be relied on for the remaining games which will be crucial for the Seagulls. Solly March and Jahanbakhsh, who was interestingly left out of the squad for this outing, are better in-form options.
Izquierdo and Groß may very well be back to their best in the Premier League next season, but that will be impossible to find out if Brighton are relegated. That said, Hughton cannot rely on these players out of nostalgia, rather he must choose players than can make an impact in the games that are left.
Newcastle’s ambitions for 2019/20?
Despite what many consider frugal ownership, Newcastle have done pretty well in recent transfer windows and have built a relatively strong squad. The team is punching above its weight class and looks like it could grow even more in the season to come.
The team certainly has the foundation to build further, and the players already at the club are worthy of the Premier League. Still, the main questions to be asked are “what will happen in the next transfer window?” and “will Benitez stay?”
The fate of the team depends on these two factors and although the Magpies have done well, all things considered, the progress could be undone if Rafa Benitez is allowed to leave. Now is the time to invest and grow the club, and if the owners continue to test the manger’s patience, they could find themselves in the Championship once again.
