In a pulsating Premier League encounter at the Amex Stadium on May 4, 2025, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United played out a 1-1 draw that kept both sides’ European ambitions alive. The match, attended by 31,580 fans, was a tale of missed opportunities, controversial decisions, and a late moment of brilliance from Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who ensured his side left the South Coast with a point.
Brighton, buoyed by their dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham the previous weekend, started brightly, with former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh proving a constant thorn in his old club’s side. The 20-year-old, who Eddie Howe reluctantly let go in the summer, opened the scoring in the 28th minute. His strike, a low effort that deflected off Newcastle’s Dan Burn, sparked wild celebrations among the home fans and served as a reminder of his burgeoning talent. Brighton’s high-pressing game, orchestrated by manager Fabian Hurzeler, had Newcastle on the back foot for much of the first half, with Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck also testing the visitors’ defense.
Newcastle, despite their sluggish start, showed glimpses of their attacking prowess. Harvey Barnes, deployed on the left, dragged a shot wide after a defensive mix-up between Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke and Mats Wieffer, while Jacob Murphy’s low cross was snuffed out by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. However, the Magpies struggled to find their rhythm, with key midfielders Bruno Guimarães and Joe Willock unable to impose themselves. Posts on X reflected Newcastle fans’ frustration, with one supporter lamenting the team’s “toothless” display and lack of urgency in the first half.
The second half saw Newcastle emerge with renewed vigor, driven by the introduction of Anthony Gordon, whose electric pace troubled Brighton’s backline. The game’s complexion changed dramatically as Newcastle were awarded three penalties in quick succession, only for two to be overturned by VAR. The first, involving a challenge on Willock, was ruled a dive, earning the midfielder a yellow card. The second was also chalked off, leaving Newcastle fans incensed. However, their persistence paid off in the 89th minute when a third penalty was awarded after a foul on Gordon. Isak, who had been relatively quiet, stepped up and coolly converted, sending Verbruggen the wrong way to level the score.
Brighton had chances to win it, with Mitoma and substitute Joao Pedro, serving the final game of his suspension, causing havoc. Yet, Newcastle’s defense, marshaled by Valentino Livramento and Fabian Schär, held firm. A sensational save from Verbruggen denied Barnes a late winner, while at the other end, Nick Pope stood tall to thwart Welbeck. The final whistle prompted mixed emotions: Brighton fans felt their side could have sealed the victory, while Newcastle supporters, as seen in X posts, viewed the draw as two points dropped despite the late comeback.
The result leaves Newcastle in fourth place, with 62 points from 35 games, still in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Brighton, sitting ninth with 51 points, remain in contention for a UEFA Conference League spot, particularly as Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph opens an additional European berth. Both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs this season—Brighton’s last 11 matches have produced 45 goals, averaging 4.1 per game—and this clash was no exception, delivering entertainment aplenty.