TOON ARE STILL ON ROCKY ROAD
Rafa’s men grab vital point but takeover talk hits survival bid
FOR Brighton, the Premier League remains an adventure but for Newcastle, it’s fast becoming an ordeal.
The two clubs won promotion together last May but there the comparisons end.
Brighton enjoy mixing it with the elite and battling against the odds. For them, survival remains the goal but would also represent an achievement.
It’s very different for a Newcastle side unsure what the future holds on and off the pitch.
Staying up is a necessity, whoever’s in the boardroom this year.
While Brighton are living the dream, the Magpies are still dreaming of a Mike Ashley-free future where the manager isn’t shackled by dreary business plans and underinvestment.
This was the backdrop to an even game which neither side deserved to win or lose.
It reflected the character and the work ethic of each but also the inadequacies which will inevitably lead to a fight for survival until May.
But while Brighton play with a smile on their face, Newcastle wear a collective scowl. A point gained for the visitors, an opportunity lost for the Magpies, who may have halted a five-game losing run at St James’ Park but have now taken just a solitary point from home fixtures against Bournemouth, Watford and Brighton.
They head to Stoke today dreading defeat. The Seagulls, in contrast, face Bournemouth talking of possibilities. “We were happy with our performance, just disappointed we could not take three points,” said Shane Duffy, outstanding at the back for Brighton alongside Lewis Dunk.
“But it’s a decent return and if we beat Bournemouth, that’s a good return going into the new year.”
Keeper Mat Ryan pulled off two stunning saves to preserve a third clean sheet in four games but for long periods on Saturday, it was Brighton who played the more assured football.
“This season is still exciting for us,” Duffy added. “We have to enjoy every moment.
“Everyone is still buzzing about getting up and being here. It’s the first time for a lot of the lads in this NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Darlow 6; Yedlin 5, Lascelles 6, CLARK 7, Dummett 6; Ritchie 5 (Perez 72), Hayden 5, Merino 5 (Shelvey 76), Atsu 6; Joselu 5 (Murphy 84), Gayle 5. Subs: Diame, Mbemba, Manquillo, Woodman, UP NEXT: Stoke (a), Premier League, today. BRIGHTON (4-4-1-1): RYAN 8; Bruno 6, Duffy 7, Dunk 7, Bong 6; Knockaert 6, Stephens 7, Propper 5, March 5; Gross 5; Murray 5 (Hemed 62, 5). Subs: Kayal, Baldock, Goldson, Izquierdo, Schelotto, Krul. UP NEXT: Bournemouth (h), Premier League, today. Referee: Anthony Taylor 7. YOUR TURN: Which Brighton striker was sent off in their 2-0 Championship defeat at Newcastle last season? league. We want to test ourselves, going to new grounds and playing new teams every week, which is a great challenge.
“There is pressure but the pressure on Newcastle is a lot more extreme. It is a big club, so you know exactly why the fans want them to do well.
“The place is such a threat when it’s rocking, but you could tell they weren’t happy at the end, from what it sounded like.”
The Toon Army may be disgruntled but they believe Rafa Benitez and his charges are giving everything for the cause.
“You can’t question our commitment,” said midfielder Isaac Hayden. “You haven’t been able to do that all season.
“Everyone leaves everything out there on the pitch.
“Yes, we’ve had a couple of bad months but if you told anyone connected with Newcastle on January 1 last year we’d be in this position now, they’d have bitten your hand off.”