Newcastle 'only had themselves to blame' as national media react to Brighton defeat


Defeat to Brighton was Newcastle United's first on home soil since January and only the eighth home defeat of Eddie Howe's tenure. The Magpies had plenty of opportunities to put Brighton to the sword, but lacked the conviction in the final third.

Danny Welbeck's winner in the 35th minute ensured Fabian Hurzeler's side of all three points, moving three points clear of the Magpies in the process. It was an afternoon to forget for Alexander Isak who was thrown straight back into the fold after a spell on the sidelines through injury.

Newcastle woes in the final third were all too evident, having not scored from open play in seven hours worth of football and have a tough double header against Chelsea on the horizon.

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ChronicleLive has taken a look at what the national media had to say about the defeat to Brighton.

'Divert funds to the final third'

Craig Hope of the Daily Mail said: "On the back of his penalty miss at Everton, Anthony Gordon put some money behind the bar for supporters before this game. Alexander Isak should have probably topped up the kitty afterwards.

"At this rate - no goal from open play in nearly seven hours - the Toon Army could be marching on a stomach full of ale for a little while yet. Isak looked like he had sunk a couple himself when kicking at fresh air in the six-yard area with the game goalless and Newcastle on top in the first half. He was then sent clear but shot straight at the goalkeeper just two minutes before Brighton's Danny Welbeck scored the game's only goal.

"Gordon's gesture - his cash bought a round in The Strawberry pub - was in recognition of the support following his spot-kick blunder last time out. It was Isak's misses that cost the team this time.

"Newcastle played well and lost - for the first time at St James' Park since January - and their problems are obvious. Having come out of the summer chasing a £70million defender in Marc Guehi, they should divert those funds to improving the final third. A right winger and a reliable alternative to Isak should be the priority."

'Only had themselves to blame'

Steve Sutcliffe of BBC Sport said: "It proved a frustrating afternoon for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle side who lost at home for the first time since January. However, they only had themselves to blame after failing to make the most of several good chances in front of goal.

"The Magpies have now not scored in open play in just under seven hours of football, albeit Alexander Isak’s performance on his return from injury suggests that wait may not continue for much longer. Isak and Anthony Gordon - two players Howe is keen to retain well into the future, provided Newcastle’s main attacking thrust.

"Sweden forward Isak linked play well and looked relatively sharp despite being unable to beat Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, when he was sent through on goal.

"And with a Premier League and Carabao Cup double header against Chelsea approaching before the visit of Arsenal, Howe will need his talismanic striker to get back into the groove quickly."

An end to a long home unbeaten run

Chris Waugh of the Athletic said: "For 35 minutes, it was all Newcastle. They were utterly dominant, created openings, had a greater share of possession, and simply did not let Brighton play.

"But one moment can dramatically change momentum — and that is precisely what Welbeck’s opener did. Brighton gradually improved until the interval and then, after the break, they visibly grew in confidence, while Newcastle lost their way. Despite having 45 touches in the opposition box to Brighton’s 12, 21 shots to 10, and recording 1.95xG to 1.16, Newcastle simply could not score.

"Once again, Newcastle’s profligacy and poor final-third decision-making cost them. And this defeat feels particularly damaging given it was at St James’ Park, where Newcastle have been imperious under Eddie Howe.

"This was only the eighth Premier League defeat Howe has suffered on Tyneside since his appointment on November 8, 2021. Newcastle were on an 11-match top-flight unbeaten run at home, stretching back to a 3-2 reversal against Manchester City on January 13, heading into this game.

"Even when Newcastle’s away form has often deserted them over the past year, their results at St James’ have kept them fighting for European qualification. With Arsenal, West Ham United and Liverpool to come next on Tyneside, Newcastle need to make sure this is merely an aberration."