Toon setback in Euro quest but Howe’s upbeat
A MAJOR slip-up in Newcastle’s race for Europe – and their season – is back on a knife-edge.
Eddie Howe’s men now face two tough away trips in a bid to fend off Chelsea – and a visit to Euro rivals Manchester United is next on Wednesday.
The Newcastle boss stressed the importance of being in Europe next season – and is convinced his side can pull it off.
Howe said: “It’s two huge games ahead.
“The Man U game is set up perfectly. That will be massive for us and we will try to get a positive result.
“They are difficult opponents but we are playing well and that is key.” A run of five wins in seven games revived the Toon’s season but they were troubled by Brighton’s tactics and slick passing.
The Geordies had Sean Longstaff to thank for rescuing a point, and an improved second half show ended with a lastgasp Anthony Gordon goal being disallowed because Miguel Almiron was offside feeding him.
Howe admits his side have targeted any sort of European competition next season but failing to win this one means the pack are chasing.
Saudi business chief Yasir Al-rumayyan was at St James’
Park and won’t enjoy his Premier League investment slipping from fourth to a possible eighth place so a strong finish is needed.
There was a party atmosphere in the Tyneside sun with the children of Toon players acting as mascots, which set a relaxed tone which business-like Brighton exploited.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side took the lead after 18 minutes.
Newcastle didn’t defend a Pascal
Gross corner well, with Danny Welbeck flicking on and Joel Veltman (below) hooking home at the far post.
He later limped off injured before the break.
The equaliser came in first-half injury time.
Longstaff started the move on the halfway line and finished with a side-foot shot from 10 yards. It was the midfielder’s sixth league goal of the season.
De Zerbi said: “We would like to finish in the top 10.
“That’s not a big result but we played in Europe, had injuries so finishing top 10 will be a great, great result and better than last season.”
NEWCASTLE: Dubravka 6; Livramento 6, Krafth 6, Burn 7, Hall 6 (Trippier
90, 6); Longstaff 7 (Joelinton 68, 6), Anderson 6, Guimaraes 6; Murphy 5 (Almiron 69, 6), Isak 4 (Barnes 68, 6), Gordon 7.
BRIGHTON: Verbruggen 7; Veltman 7 (Lamptey 40, 7), Webster 7, Dunk 7, Igor 6; Gross 7, Gilmour 7 (Baleba 87,
6); Buonanotte 6 (Baker-boaitey 68,
6), Enciso 7 (Moder 68, 6), Adingra 6 (Offiah 87, 6); Welbeck 7.
MAN OF THE MATCH: JULIO ENCISO – Livewire caused Toon lots of problems.
D England 51,997