EDDIE READY Howe watches from stand as FOR BATTLE
EDDIE HOWE missed a trick as he stayed out of the dug-out and watched Newcastle grab a point.the delay in his appointment meant the soon-to-be Toon boss played no official part in this fifth draw of the season.
Howe did make it to the stands at the Amex Stadium to witness caretaker Graeme Jones mastermind an impressive fightback as Isaac Hayden’s second-half strike cancelled out Leandro Trossard’s early Brighton penalty.
Howe can now spend the international break assessing what is required to lead the Geordies to security before splashing the Saudi owners’ cash in the New Year. Even better, he has a tiny platform to build a survival bid upon.
That’s still a way off with Newcastle 19th on five points and the only club without a victory.
How Brighton did not secure their first win in eight in all competitions was remarkable given the chances they created.
Howe had former Cherries assistant Jason Tindall and St James’ Park powerbroker Amanda Staveley alongside him here.
The Geordies’ biggest problem this term has been stopping goals rather than scoring them.that became apparent on 19 minutes, when they buckled as soon as
Brighton enjoyed their first spell of sustained pressure.trossard skipped into the box and was upended by Ciaran Clark’s challenge.
Initially David Coote waved play on before a lengthyvar review forced him to overturn the decision.
Having stayed composed amid the delay, the in-form Belgium ace positively smacked the spot-kick in for his third goal this term.
Suddenly,
Newcastle’s belief drained before your eyes and Seagulls livewire Tariq
Lamptey was no more than a toe from doubling the advantage midway through the half.
In the second half,trossard forced a sharp save before whistling a curler wide.
In between, Marc Cucurella missed a glorious free header at the far post from seven yards.
Newcastle finally mustered their first attempt on target after 54 minutes through Matt Ritchie’s deflected drive.
It was a sign Albion might regret wasting so many chances at the other end.
Which they were made to nine minutes later as Ritchie crossed, Clark headed into the danger area and Hayden drove smartly home.
It would have been even worse had Sanchez not tripped Newcastle striker
Callum Wilson when he was through on goal in the closing stages.the keeper was sent off by VAR and defender Lewis Dunk (left) went in goal.
But the opening had disappeared and the points were shared.