Brighton scored a dramatic victory over Newcastle 2-1 at St James Park to advance to the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Danny Welbeck won the Seagulls with a beautifully crafted finish in the 114th minute, punishing Newcastle’s missed opportunity in an incredible entertainment match.
The game started a high-paced start with both sides eager to put themselves in the driver’s seat.
Newcastle was almost ahead when Alexander Isak’s header was blocked by Adam Webster, and his follow-up continued.
Brighton had a chance to respond as Joao Pedro entered the box but was stopped by Dan Burn.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh clumsily put Tino Livramento into the free throw area.
Referee Anthony Taylor did not hesitate to impose a fine, and Isak stepped up to kick the scene confidently into the top corner to give the owner the lead.
This is Danny Welbeck’s world, we just live in it.#emiratesfacup pic.twitter.com/efibjnp2cz
– Emirates Cup (@emiratesfacup) March 2, 2025
Newcastle continued to move forward after the opening game, and Isak thought he doubled his advantage with a great first end, only because the goal was excluded from offside.
Brighton struggled to create clear opportunities, but as the half approached, the game grew into a game.
Their perseverance paid off in the 44th minute when Joao Pedro played a perfect penetration ball on Minteh. The Gambia winger stayed by and drove past Martin Dubravka, whose shot strayed slightly from Kieran Trippier on the way.
Out of respect for his former club, Minteh avoided celebrating in front of his longtime fans.
The second half was even more like a battle, with both teams pushing the championship. Newcastle has several opportunities, most notably when Joe Willlock failed to contact a cross that only requires a simple touch to make a transition.
Brighton also had a chance, with Joao Pedro forcing Dubravka to make a strong save.
In the 83rd minute, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was sent for a moment, and the game took a dramatic turn.
After the offside decision, the winger pushed Jan Paul Van Hecke to his head, prompting the referee to wave a straight red card.
FT: Victory in the FA Cup! 🤩
[1-2] 📲 #NewBHA // #BHAFC 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/prtniuclhm— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) March 2, 2025
Brighton wants to take advantage of their digital edge, but Tariq Lamptey’s sack in downtime is the second time the offense has once again made the game-wide upgrade.
When the score after 90 minutes tied with 1-1, the card added extra time to the card. Both teams seemed to be broken, but continued to fight for the winning goal.
Newcastle ended painfully in the 118th minute, when Dan Burn’s powerful drive was a few inches wider in the distance. But after a moment, Brighton fired a killer blow.
Solly March found space on the right and hit the perfect timing for Welbeck, who stayed by his side.
England International team performed well, lifting the ball up to the time-consuming Dubravka to complete the turnaround for visitors.
Newcastle desperately searches for an equalizer in its dying moments, but their efforts are insufficient. Eddie Howe summed up the frustration of Hippies when Willlock shot during downtime.
Brighton was held in the final seconds to secure their position in the quarterfinals, causing Newcastle to miss opportunities and discipline issues.
Now the Seagulls are marching in the FA Cup, and the Hipies must quickly refocus before the EFL Cup final against Liverpool in two weeks, although they must do so now without the timeout Gordon.
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