Newcastle United’s Premier League season has been a rocky one so far, but there are signs that the tide may be turning. After a sluggish start, Eddie Howe’s men finally seem to be finding some rhythm.
The early weeks were difficult, with Newcastle managing just one win from their first six league matches. Painful late defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal at St James’ Park piled on frustration, while a string of three consecutive goalless draws away from home left supporters concerned about the team’s sharpness in front of goal.
That gloom lifted slightly with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest just before the international break.
The result not only boosted confidence but also offered a sense of momentum heading into the next fixtures. With a trip to the south coast to face Brighton and Hove Albion on the horizon, Newcastle have a real opportunity to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Yet, despite the optimism, Eddie Howe will be uneasy about a particular development that could influence the outcome of the match.
The Premier League’s appointment of Craig Pawson as the referee for the game at the AMEX Stadium has not gone unnoticed on Tyneside.
Howe, who is usually calm and measured, might not be too pleased about this decision given Newcastle’s history with Pawson, especially in matches against Brighton.
Last season’s clash between the two sides remains fresh in the minds of many supporters and officials alike.
During that crucial meeting, Newcastle entered the game sitting third in the table, fighting to secure a Champions League spot. However, things quickly took a frustrating turn.
The Magpies went 1-0 down after a goal from former Newcastle youngster Yankuba Minteh, who had since joined Brighton and came back to haunt his old side.
The real controversy came early in the second half when Mats Wieffer, who had already been booked, committed what looked like a clear second-yellow offense on Sandro Tonali.
To the disbelief of Newcastle players and fans, Pawson allowed play to continue without showing a card.
That wasn’t the only incident that left Howe’s side feeling hard done by. Two potential penalties for Newcastle were overturned by VAR, deepening the sense of injustice.
By the time the final whistle approached, Howe’s frustration was visible on the sidelines. Fortunately, the Magpies salvaged a point late on when Alexander Isak converted a penalty in stoppage time, but it felt more like a relief than a reward.
Now, with Pawson once again taking charge of their trip to Brighton, there’s a sense of unease among supporters and the coaching staff alike.
Howe knows that fine margins can define games in the Premier League, and his side cannot afford to be on the wrong end of questionable officiating once again especially when three points could lift them closer to the top half of the table.
Even neutrals agreed that Newcastle had a strong case for complaint in that previous meeting. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher later admitted on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch that Wieffer was fortunate to stay on the pitch, saying, “I think he’s lucky not to be sent off.
The manager dragged him off straight after the challenge on Tonali, and that says it all.” Such remarks only validated the frustration Newcastle felt at the time.
Encounters between Newcastle and Brighton have rarely been dull. Fans still remember the 2017 clash at the AMEX when Mohamed Diame scored one of the strangest goals in Championship history a looping, deflected strike that effectively sealed Newcastle’s promotion and the title that season.
Matches between the two sides often deliver drama, and this weekend’s game is shaping up to be no different.
For Howe, the focus will be on performance and discipline, ensuring his players stay composed regardless of any refereeing decisions.
He knows that Newcastle must take their chances and remain defensively solid if they are to build on the Forest win. The Magpies have shown flashes of their best football this season, but consistency remains their biggest challenge.
As they prepare to step out at the AMEX, there’s no doubt that Newcastle will be motivated to make a statement. However, with Craig Pawson in charge once again, Eddie Howe will quietly hope that this time, luck and fairness are finally on their side.
