‘MASSIVE TO STAY UP’
ANDY EYES NEW NORM
takeover talk as the background noise to his work virtually all season.
Brighton were the better side earlier on, as Lewis Dunk saw his header saved by keeper Martin Dubravka, who then turned Leandro Trossard’s shot round the post.
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle fluffed a clear header from Jonjo
Shelvey’s free-kick and Miguel Almiron was denied the opener by Matt Ryan’s superb save.
Later, Adam Webster let fly from 25 yards and Dubravka brilliantly turned the ball over the bar.
Then, when Dunk nodded the ball down to Trossard, the Belgian somehow volleyed the ball over the bar from six yards – with Andy Carroll at the other end missing from even closer in. It summed up the game.
BRIGHTON (4-2-2-2): Ryan 7; Lamptey 6 (Duffy 85 6), Webster 6, Dunk 7, Burn 6; Stephens 6, Bissouma 6 (Propper 72, 6); Mooy 6 (March 57, 6), Gross 6 (Mac Allister 57, 6); Trossard 6, Maupay 7 (Murray 72, 6). NEWCASTLE (3-4-3): Dubravka 8; Krafth 6, Fernandez 6, Rose 6; Manquillo 6, Shelvey 7, Bentaleb 6, Ritchie 6; Almiron 6 (Lazaro 85, 6), Gayle 6 (Carroll 73, 6), Saint-Maximin 6 (Joelinton 73, 6).
GRAHAM POTTER says staying in the Premier League for another season is massive for Brighton.
The draw with Newcastle confirmed that and Potter said: “It is really important – and that is an understatement.
“The financial implications are massive. Especially after a year like this it’s even more important. I read an article before lockdown saying I should be getting my P45, so that is football for you. It is so important for a club like this, who are fighting to stay in the Premier League every year.” Newcastle boss Steve Bruce said: “Considering we had five centre-backs out and we do not have the ability to rotate and make changes like other clubs, I am delighted for the players, they deserve great credit.”
As for the potential Saudi Arabian takeover, Bruce said: ‘We need a bit of clarity on what the situation is. It’s frustrating for everybody concerned, so let’s hope there’s a decision soon.”
ANDY Robertson knows Liverpool’s Premier League trophy lift tomorrow will not be normal – but wants the Reds constantly winning titles to be the new normal.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will finally get their hands on the trophy after their home clash with Chelsea.
There will be no fans in the ground but a big event is planned to celebrate their first title in 30 years with a stage purposelybuilt on the Kop.
Robertson said: “We don’t want it to be a one or two-times-off, we want that to become the normal, we want that winning feeling every single year and that’s why after winning the Champions League we stayed so motivated to go and win the Premier League.”