Brighton and Hove Albion ended an in form Newcastle United side’s three-match winning streak as they recorded back-to-back home wins. It was Chris Hughton’s first victory over his former club, in the first Premier League meeting of the two newly promoted teams.
Here are four talking points from the clash at the Amex Stadium.
Tomer Hemed’s incredible home record continues
Brighton are still getting to grips with Premier League life, but in Tomer Hemed, they have something of a lucky charm at the Amex Stadium. In 14 previous games when the Israeli scored at home, including their 3-1 win over West Brom recently, the Seagulls had never lost, winning 13 and drawing just once. That record has been stretched after today.
It was a rather predictable game overall, with the hosts starting fast and enjoying lots of possession but failing to work goalkeeper Rob Elliot. Hemed provided a focal point and could have broken the deadlock before the break had he been a little more alive in the box.
Newcastle’s lack of punch in front of goal could become a worry
Organised, regimented, physical and, most importantly, aided with a clear game plan; in many ways Newcastle are more suited to the Premier League than they have been for a long time. Yet, while some previous sides may have folded completely in games such as this, they may also have taken some of the early chances and ran away with the game.
Mikel Merino was unlucky with an opportunity inside just two minutes, going close with a volley from Matt Ritchie’s corner. But it was Joselu who proved costly again, failing to turn the ball past Matthew Ryan from close range after a rather fortuitous deflection. The Spaniard could have had a hat-trick in last week’s victory against his former club Stoke, and Rafa Benitez’s side have become very reliant on Ritchie’s set pieces in recent weeks. Chances are not lacking, but the final product is. Ayoze Perez is another who fills Newcastle fans with immense frustration; his quality and work rate are unquestioned, but far too often, be it with a cross or in front of goal, he is found wanting. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s imminent return from suspension could be well timed.
19 of them have come at home. 👊
The Magpies showed good balance once again, but old habits haunt them
The general consensus may have been Brighton were more energetic, but possession doesn’t always mean domination. Chris Hughton’s plan was evident, to get inverted wingers Solly March and Anthony Knockhaert on the ball as much as possible; a fast start was always likely, but despite there being a lot of space for the hosts, they couldn’t break down the visitors’ sturdy back line.
Once again, Merino was phenomenal in midfield, controlling from the base. His close control opened the game up, allowing Christian Atsu to stretch the pitch against the 36-year-old Brighton fullback Bruno. As a result, they carved out the better chances, particularly in the first half.
But having gone to sleep at the start of the second half in their only previous away defeat of the season at Huddersfield, they did so again as Hemed, hooking the ball past a number of static bodies, met a Pascal Gross free kick to give the hosts the lead.
Pascal Gross could be the difference for the Seagulls this season
His performance may not have been as headline grabbing as against West Brom, when he scored two in their first home victory of the season, but the German was still pivotal to the win on Sunday. Having created 98 chances in the Bundesliga last season, more than any player, for relegated Ingolstadt, his ability on the ball was always going to be a threat.
The Newcastle midfield pair of Merino and Isaac Hayden was once again solid, and Gross struggled to penetrate them himself in the first half. But his ability to switch the play between March and Knockhaert on the flanks still ensured the hosts made all the early running. His freekick led to the winner and found it easier to turn as Jonjo Shelvey replaced Hayden and the visitors probed an equaliser.
Relegation is a real possibility for Brighton, but with Gross’ craft on and off the ball, they may have a chance of survival.
