Newcastle United player ratings vs Brighton as Anthony Gordon has horror show but 8/10 star dazzles

Newcastle United’s FA Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Brighton in extra time. Eddie Howe fielded a strong lineup with Alexander Isak and Joelinton returning from injury, and the match began with both sides pushing the tempo.

Newcastle struck first when Isak confidently converted a penalty after Tino Livramento was brought down in the box by Yankuba Minteh. However, Minteh quickly redeemed himself by scoring the equalizer in what turned out to be an eventful return to St. James’ Park.

After halftime, Newcastle lost their grip on the game, with several players struggling in possession and repeatedly giving the ball away in dangerous areas.

The match lacked quality, with both teams performing below their usual standards, and things took a disastrous turn for Newcastle when Anthony Gordon received a red card for an off-the-ball shove on Jan Paul van Hecke.

Moments later, Isak limped off with an injury, leaving the Magpies in an even worse position. The drama continued as Tariq Lamptey was also sent off, and Fabian Schar briefly thought he had won it for Newcastle with a stunning volley, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.

Extra time saw both teams searching for a winner, but it was Brighton who found the decisive moment when Danny Welbeck lofted the ball past Martin Dubravka, sealing Newcastle’s elimination from the competition in heartbreaking fashion.

The Magpies fought hard but ultimately fell short, leaving them to shift focus to their upcoming Carabao Cup final.

Dubravka delivered another solid performance, further cementing his place as the fan-favorite goalkeeper. He made several strong saves, including a crucial one in extra time, and couldn’t be faulted for either goal.

Trippier defended well and kept Brighton’s dangerous winger Kaoru Mitoma quiet, despite being unlucky with the slight deflection that led to Minteh’s goal.

Schar had a difficult night, losing track of Minteh for the equalizer and repeatedly making sloppy mistakes in possession. While he thought he had secured victory with his offside goal, his overall display lacked composure.

Burn had some nervy moments, struggling with loose touches and being dragged out of position for Minteh’s goal but made some crucial challenges, including a clearance off the line.

Livramento adapted well to playing on the left in Lewis Hall’s absence, defending effectively against Minteh and winning the penalty for Newcastle’s opening goal.

However, he made costly errors after the break, including a poor touch that led to Brighton’s winner. Miley kept things simple in midfield but failed to make a significant attacking impact before being substituted.

Tonali was a standout performer, breaking up Brighton’s attacks with timely tackles and interceptions, proving vital in preventing Newcastle from conceding earlier.

Joelinton’s return was a welcome sight, and he wasted no time getting involved in the midfield battle. Though he was substituted shortly after the break, likely to keep him fresh for the Carabao Cup final, his presence made a difference.

Barnes looked sharp in his first start in months, delivering an early cross that should have resulted in a goal for Isak. However, his influence waned as the game progressed, and he was withdrawn in the second half.

Isak marked his return with a well-taken penalty, showing his composure from the spot by blasting the ball into the top corner. He tormented Brighton’s defenders with his dribbling, passing, and physicality, demonstrating exactly what Newcastle had missed in their recent loss to Liverpool.

A nutmeg on Georginio Rutter and a brilliant through ball to Bruno Guimarães highlighted his quality, though he missed a few chances and mistimed a run that led to an offside goal.

The biggest concern came when he was forced off with an injury shortly after Gordon’s red card, raising fears about his availability for the Carabao Cup final.

Gordon had an evening to forget, struggling to make an impact before his costly red card. He delivered some dangerous crosses and showed flashes of attacking intent but failed to track Minteh on Brighton’s equalizer. His dismissal for an unnecessary push not only left Newcastle with 10 men but also ruled him out of the Carabao Cup final, a major blow to the team’s ambitions.

Guimarães initially struggled after coming on but eventually settled into the game, making key passes and battling hard, especially after Newcastle went a man down.

Willock provided energy off the bench and combined well on the left flank, though he squandered a golden opportunity to score. Murphy worked hard, earning Lamptey’s red card with his quick footwork, but his passing let him down at key moments.

Targett remained steady but was unlucky to be caught out on the left for Brighton’s winning goal. Wilson barely got a chance to influence the match, struggling to find space against Brighton’s defense.

Newcastle’s FA Cup exit was a bitter disappointment, especially with the chaotic nature of the match. The injuries and suspensions could not have come at a worse time, with the Carabao Cup final looming.

Howe now faces the challenge of adjusting his squad for the Wembley showdown, hoping that key players like Isak recover in time. The defeat serves as a harsh reminder of the fine margins in knockout football, and Newcastle must regroup quickly to focus on their pursuit of silverware.