Newcastle United's Amex curse continues as Brighton steal win
Newcastle United once again failed to win at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League, and once again, Brighton have that man Danny Welbeck to thank.
First off, let's start with a few positives, because there are actually a few.
Newcastle have finally scored a goal on the road in the Premier League, the run of 0-0 draws away from home has ended, and Nick Woltemade is absolutely class.
Unfortunately, that's about it for today in terms of positives. We will give Eddie Howe credit for spotting that his lineup wasn't working and making changes at half time, which did help Newcastle improve in the second half, but they couldn't have got much worse.
Newcastle didn't have a shot on target until almost 70 minutes into the game
So, as for negatives, there are many. Firstly, Anthony Elanga is so devoid of confidence that it's actually embarrassing. He had an opportunity to really test the Brighton defence and left the ball behind. He was deservedly hooked at half time.
It took over an hour before we made enough of an impression on Brighton's goal that we actually won a corner, and it took a few more minutes after that to get our first shot on target. We played some really nice football, which all led to nothing, and this is starting to become a real problem.
Our midfielders, particularly in the first half, were nonexistent. We get they're all coming back from international duty, but if you're knackered, tell Eddie Howe and ask to sit the game out if you're going to be more of a hindrance than a help.
Danny Welbeck - Oh, how I wish I could swear here
Brighton took the lead on 41 minutes as Georginio Rutter slid through an inch-perfect through ball for Danny Welbeck to latch on to, practically unchallenged and lift the ball over Nick Pope.
Newcastle were much improved in the second half and were rewarded for their domination as Nick Woltemade kept up his goal-scoring streak with a stunning back-heel into the corner of the net. Pure Big Nick Energy all around.
The Magpies kept probing and looked more likely to be the next to score, but a failed clearance landed at the feet of Danny Welbeck, who swept the ball home on 84 minutes against the run of play to nick the win for the Seagulls.
Danny Welbeck is absolute horseradish for 36 games of the season; he only turns up against Newcastle. Brighton won't let him retire; he'll be in the squad until he's 90, and they'll just wheel him out to face us knowing that he's going to score. Just retire, already! Give us some respite!
