Newcastle player ratings vs Brighton as the Magpies were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw | OneFootball

Eddie Howe's team is still holding onto their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League after Newcastle United was held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.

With three games left, the Magpies knew that a victory would move them back up to third place going into the Amex. Instead, they had to settle for a point, despite dominating large spells of the second half and seeing two penalty decisions overturned by VAR before finally being awarded a third late on.

Brighton took the lead midway through the first half with their first real attack. Former Newcastle loanee Yankuba Minteh cut inside onto his left foot and fired beyond Nick Pope, with the ball deflecting slightly off Dan Burn on its way in.

Newcastle responded well and had more of the possession, but struggled to break down Brighton’s low block. Anthony Gordon looked to have won a penalty after coming off the bench early in the second half, only for VAR to judge the foul occurred just outside the area. Minutes later, Joe Willock went down under contact in the box and the referee pointed to the spot — but once again VAR intervened, overturning the decision and booking Willock for simulation.

Persistence finally paid off when Fabian Schar’s free-kick was handled in the wall by Yasin Ayari. This time VAR confirmed the penalty, and Alexander Isak stepped up to send Bart Verbruggen the wrong way for his 27th goal of the season.

Newcastle pushed hard for a winner, with Callum Wilson twice denied by good saves, but Brighton held on for a point.

Here are the Newcastle player ratings vs Brighton after a game that tested patience and character:

Newcastle player ratings vs Brighton - Premier League

GK: Nick Pope (4/10)

Could do little about Minteh’s goal and had only one real save to make. A quiet afternoon otherwise.

RB: Kieran Trippier (6/10)

Solid defensively and made one crucial block after half-time. Looked more comfortable than in recent outings.

CB: Fabian Schar (5/10)

Not at his very best but played a key role in the equaliser with his free-kick striking an arm in the wall.

CB: Dan Burn (5/10)

Unlucky to deflect Minteh’s strike into his own net. Kept things steady on his return to the South Coast.

LB: Tino Livramento (5/10)

Caught flat-footed for the opening goal but recovered with a more composed second-half performance.

CM: Sandro Tonali (4/10)

Failed to control the midfield early on. Slightly improved after the break but was not as influential as usual.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes (5/10)

Battled hard in midfield and had a decent shot saved. Tried to carry the ball forward and disrupt Brighton’s shape.

CM: Joe Willock (3/10)

In and out of the game. Looked dangerous in flashes but ended his day with a yellow card for diving.

LW: Harvey Barnes (5/10)

Had some lively moments but decision-making in the final third let him down. Faded after switching flanks.

ST: Alexander Isak (5/10)

Largely isolated but made no mistake from the penalty spot. That goal keeps him hot on the heels of the Premier League’s top scorers.

RW: Jacob Murphy (4/10)

Struggled to make any real impact down the right. Hooked off before the hour.

SUB: Anthony Gordon (5/10) - on for Murphy, 55’

Direct and willing to drive forward. Won a free-kick and thought he’d earned a penalty, only for VAR to overrule it.

SUB: Callum Wilson (3/10) - on for Willock, 74’

Added energy and strength up top. Had two good efforts saved and helped win the penalty with his pressure.

SUB: Emil Krafth (NA/10) - on for Trippier, 90’

No time to influence proceedings.

SUB: Sven Botman (NA/10) - on for Schar, 90’