Danny Welbeck secured Brighton’s place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic extra-time goal, clinching a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in a stormy fifth-round clash at St James’ Park. The match saw red cards for both teams, adding to the tension of the encounter.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Newcastle initially took the lead with a penalty from Alexander Isak in the 22nd minute, awarded after Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh fouled Tino Livramento. Isak’s strike, his 22nd goal of the season, put Newcastle in front, and the team had several chances to extend their advantage, with Isak’s goal ruled out for offside and a curler from Anthony Gordon saved by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
However, Brighton fought back just before halftime. Joao Pedro’s precise pass set up Minteh, whose shot took a deflection and found the net to level the score at 1-1. It was a bittersweet moment for Minteh, who had moved to Brighton from Newcastle for £30 million last year.
As the match progressed, the intensity increased. Gordon was sent off in the 83rd minute for violent conduct after shoving Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, and shortly after, Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey was dismissed for a second yellow card following a foul on Jacob Murphy. Despite the numerical disadvantage, both teams pressed on, with a potential winner from Newcastle’s Fabian Schar ruled offside by VAR in stoppage time.
In extra time, Newcastle appeared to lose their momentum, and Brighton took full advantage. After a powerful shot from Diego Gomez was brilliantly saved by Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka, Welbeck made the decisive move. In the 114th minute, Welbeck latched onto a pass from Solly March and calmly lifted the ball over Dubravka to give Brighton the lead and ultimately seal the victory.
This win sends Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the second time in three seasons, continuing their strong form after a string of victories following their heavy defeat at Nottingham Forest. Brighton, still chasing their first FA Cup trophy, last reached the final in 1983, when they lost to Manchester United in a replay.
For Newcastle, it was a bitter defeat as they failed to lift a domestic trophy since their 1955 FA Cup win. To add to their woes, Anthony Gordon will be absent for the League Cup final against Liverpool due to his suspension, unless an appeal is lodged.
Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, celebrated the victory with his players, while Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, was left to reflect on his side’s missed opportunities and the disciplinary issues that marred their performance.
