Brighton won a spectacular 2-1 victory over Newcastle in St James’ Park to go to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Danny Welbeck’s beautifully designed finish in the 114th minute sealed the victory of the Seagulls, punishing Newcastle for missed chances in what was an incredibly entertaining competition.
The match had a start at Forte Tempo, the two sides wishing to put itself in the driven siege.
Newcastle almost took the lead very early when the head of Alexander Isak was blocked by Adam Webster, and his follow -up effort survived.
Brighton responded with a chance on their part, while Joao Pedro headed in the box but was arrested by Dan Burn.
The breakthrough occurred in the 22nd minute when the former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh lowered Tino Livramento inside the penalty area.
Referee Anthony Taylor did not hesitate to grant the penalty, and Isak intervened to send the kick in the upper corner, giving the hosts.
It’s Danny Welbeck’s world, we live there.#Emiratesfacup pic.twitter.com/efibjnp2cz
– Emirates fa cup (@emiratesfacup) March 2, 2025
Newcastle continued to move forward after the first match, and Isak thought he had doubled their advantage with a brilliant first arrival, only for the goal to be excluded for offside.
Brighton had a hard time creating clear chances, but grew up in the game as half-time approach.
Their perseverance borne fruit in the 44th minute when Joao Pedro played a perfectly weighted ball in Minteh. The Gambian winger remained next to it and was destroyed in front of Martin Dubravka, his shot slightly deviating Kieran Trippier on his way.
Out of respect for his former club, Minteh refrained from celebrating in front of his former fans.
The second half was even more a battle, the two teams pressure for a winner. Newcastle had several opportunities, especially when Joe Willock failed to contact with a cross that only needed a simple touch to convert.
Brighton was also likely, Joao Pedro forcing a solid backup of Dubravka.
The match took a spectacular turn in the 83rd minute when Anthony Gordon from Newcastle was sent for a moment of madness.
After an offside decision, the winger pushed Jan Paul Van Hecke to the head, which prompted the referee to brandish a right red card.
FT: What a victory in FA Cup! 🤩
[1-2] 📲 #Newbha // #Bhafc 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/prtniuclhm
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@officialbhafc) March 2, 2025
Brighton sought to capitalize on his digital advantage, but the dismissal of Tariq Lamptey in time of time for a second reservable offense again leveled the playing field.
With the score equal to 1-1 after 90 minutes, the additional time was on the cards. The two teams seemed to be broken but continued to fight for a winning goal.
Newcastle got closer in the 118th minute when the powerful Dan Burn reader broke out a few centimeters from the distant post. But a few moments later, Brighton delivered the killer.
Solly March found space on the right flank and played a perfectly timed bullet in Welbeck, which had remained next to it.
The English international has shown great composure, raising the ball on the survival dubravka to finish the turnaround for visitors.
Newcastle has desperately sought an equalizer in dying moments, but their efforts failed. While Willock pulled a large speculative shot in time to stop, the anxiety of Eddie Howe on the touch line sums up the frustrations of the Magpies.
Brighton maintained himself in the last seconds to ensure their place in the quarter -finals, leaving Newcastle to the height of their chances and missed disciplinary problems.
The Seagulls now walk in FA Cup, while the Magpies must quickly refocus in front of their EFL Cup final against Liverpool in two weeks, although they will have to do it now without the suspended Gordon.
