Brighton wins 1-0 to halt Newcastle’s streak

BRIGHTON, England — Newcastle still can’t draw in the Premier League. The Magpies lost 1-0 at Brighton on Sunday to even their record at three wins and three defeats.

Israel forward Tomer Hemed denied Newcastle the chance to make it four wins, scoring his second Premier League goal in manager Chris Hughton’s first win over his former club in his seventh attempt.

Brighton moved to 13th with its second win of the season in the clash of the league newcomers.

Rafael Benitez’s men arrived boasting three straight league wins, but paid the price for Joselu’s glaring first-half miss in front of goal.

Hamed struck in the 51st minute, hooking the ball into the net after a free kick by Pascal Gross was headed down into the six-yard box by Dale Stephens.

“I think in the last few games we’ve been playing well, and today also. I think this win can give us a push for the next games and I think we deserve it,” Hemed said.

“First of all we need to win at home, of course. Away from home is difficult to get points. So first of all we need to get as much as we can from the Amex (stadium). Also, we’re playing well and we’ll get enough points (to stay up) this season, I think.”

Newcastle manager Benitez said Hemed’s goal should not have stood.

“The goal, for me, was a foul, it’s a blocking in movement,” Benitez said. “He’s pushing and blocking in movement. And it’s so clear, but you cannot change the decision. I feel like we did enough to get a point at least. They had some chances, we had some chances. We had a lot of control and chances at the end. I think we deserved more.”