Brighton & Hove Albion secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Newcastle United in the Emirates FA Cup on Sunday, with Danny Welbeck netting the decisive goal in the 114th minute.
Newcastle take early lead
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side made a strong start at St James’ Park and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when they won a penalty.
Alexander Isak stepped up and confidently converted from the spot, putting the Magpies 1-0 ahead.
Despite Newcastle’s early advantage, Brighton remained composed and gradually grew into the game.
Their persistence paid off just before half-time, when Yankubah Minteh latched onto a well-placed pass from João Pedro and fired home the equaliser, making it 1-1 at the break.
Drama in the final minutes
As the second half progressed, both sides pushed for a winner, but clear-cut chances were limited.
However, tempers flared late in the match, leading to a chaotic final few minutes of normal time.
In the dying moments, Anthony Gordon of Newcastle and Tariq Lamptey of Brighton were both sent off following separate incidents.
The double dismissal meant that both teams entered extra time with 10 men each.
Newcastle thought they had won the game deep into stoppage time, only for VAR to intervene and disallow their goal, adding to the frustration of the home fans.
To make matters worse for Howe’s side, Gordon’s suspension means he will miss the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Welbeck delivers the knockout blow
With neither team able to find a breakthrough in the first period of extra time, penalties seemed a real possibility.
However, Brighton’s experience and composure proved decisive.
In the 114th minute, veteran striker Danny Welbeck emerged as the match-winner.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal forward found space inside the box and clinically slotted the ball past Newcastle’s goalkeeper, sealing a 2-1 victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
Brighton march on
The win sees Brighton advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals, continuing their impressive campaign under De Zerbi.
For Newcastle, the defeat adds to their recent struggles, and losing Gordon ahead of their Carabao Cup final only deepens their woes.
As Brighton celebrate another step towards potential silverware, Newcastle are left to regroup ahead of their next challenge in domestic competitions.
