Newcastle United slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
The Magpies looked to have rescued a point after Nick Waltemade scored in the 76th minute to cancel out Danny Welbeck’s opener.
However, the former England striker stunned the visitors by sweeping home an 84th-minute winner to seal maximum points for the Seagulls.
The defeat is a big blow to Newcastle’s hopes of securing a Champions League berth this season. They are 12th in the Premier League and could drop down the standings after Sunday’s games.
However, their supporters can still take some encouragement from the game.
Not an easy fixture
Facing Brighton at the Amex Stadium is not an easy fixture.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are unbeaten at their home ground this campaign. They have defeated Manchester City and Chelsea, and drawn with Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle produced a decent performance at Brighton and probably should have earned a point.
Pope stands tall
Nick Pope, who recently extended his contract until 2027, made some brilliant saves to deny Georginio Rutter and Maxim De Cuyper.
Defender Malick Thiaw made some crucial interventions, while Bruno Guimaraes also intercepted well to deny Yankuba Minteh.
Brighton dominated the opening half, but Eddie Howe made changes, and Newcastle were much better after the break.
Woltemade’s superb run of form
Nick Woltemade has hit the ground running since joining the club for £69 million this summer, scoring five goals in eight appearances across all competitions.
Woltemade didn’t receive much service in Saturday’s clash against Brighton, but he produced a moment of magic late on by flicking home Lewis Miley’s cross to level the scores.
Newcastle supporters will hope the towering striker continues his brilliant form when the team hosts Benfica for their third Champions League game in midweek.
Stats from Transfermarkt.
