Yankuba Minteh celebration explained as furious Joe Willock words sum it up for Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s Champions League aspirations remain intact after a pulsating 1-1 draw at Brighton that featured three penalty awards, two VAR reversals, and no shortage of controversy.
Alexander Isak’s ice-cool 74th-minute spot-kick salvaged what could prove a priceless point on an afternoon where the narrative threatened to be dominated by former Magpies prospect Yankuba Minteh.
The Gambian winger, sold to Brighton last summer for £33 million to ease Newcastle’s financial fair play concerns, came back to haunt his former employers with a dazzling 34th-minute opener.
Minteh’s mazy run past three defenders and deflected finish past Nick Pope sparked emotional celebrations, with the 19-year-old appearing to gesture toward his Brighton badge in a moment initially misinterpreted by traveling supporters.
Club sources later clarified the youngster maintained utmost respect for Newcastle, with the celebration simply acknowledging his current employers.
Eddie Howe’s side arrived at the Amex knowing victory would solidify their top-four credentials, but found themselves frustrated for long periods by Roberto De Zerbi’s inventive Seagulls.
The visitors’ early promise fizzled after Joe Willock’s 26th-minute effort whistled wide, with Brighton growing into the game before Minteh’s moment of magic.
Newcastle’s response showcased the resilience that has become their trademark under Howe, though they needed three separate penalty incidents before finally converting their golden chance.
Referee Craig Pawson’s afternoon proved as eventful as the contest itself. The official first awarded Newcastle a penalty when Anthony Gordon tumbled under Tariq Lamptey’s challenge, only for VAR to downgrade it to a free-kick.
Minutes later, Pawson again pointed to the spot after Willock went down under Jan Paul van Hecke’s challenge, but another review saw the decision overturned and the Newcastle midfielder booked for simulation.
Justice finally arrived when Fabian Schar’s thunderous free-kick struck Yasin Ayari’s arm, with VAR this time upholding Pawson’s third penalty award of the afternoon. Isak, Newcastle’s talismanic striker, held his nerve to send Bart Verbruggen the wrong way and register his 22nd league goal of a remarkable individual campaign.
The closing stages produced further drama as both sides chased a winner. Substitute Callum Wilson forced Verbruggen into a spectacular save with a swerving drive in stoppage time, while Brighton’s Diego Gomez headed agonizingly wide from a set-piece.
The shared spoils leave Newcastle needing maximum points from their remaining home fixtures against Chelsea and Everton to maintain control of their Champions League destiny.
Howe will take encouragement from several aspects of his team’s performance. The midfield trio of Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Willock gradually established control after halftime, while Dan Burn’s physical presence helped neutralize Brighton’s intricate buildup play.
The introduction of Gordon and Wilson added fresh impetus to Newcastle’s attack, though their wastefulness in the final third remains a concern.
For Brighton, this result effectively ends their faint European hopes, but the performance offered promise for next season. Minteh’s electrifying display highlighted why Newcastle were so reluctant to sell him last summer, while Verbruggen’s shot-stopping again demonstrated why he’s considered one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers.
As the dust settles on this enthralling encounter, Newcastle can reflect on a point gained rather than two lost. Their unbeaten run now stretches to five matches, with the character shown in fighting back boding well for the crucial fixtures ahead.
With Manchester United and Chelsea breathing down their necks, every point could prove decisive in the race for Europe’s top table.
The Magpies’ final home matches at St James’ Park now take on seismic importance. Victories against Chelsea and Everton would likely secure Champions League football, completing a remarkable turnaround from their mid-season slump.
On this evidence, Howe’s men have the steel required for the challenges ahead, even if their finishing must improve to capitalize on their dominance.
For Brighton, this was another reminder of their ability to compete with the Premier League’s elite, even in a transitional season. As for Minteh, his bittersweet afternoon proved there are no hard feelings toward his former club – just a burning desire to prove his worth at the highest level.