The Magpies earned a much-needed victory against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park – and there were some big performances
17:05, 02 May 2026Updated 20:53, 02 May 2026
Newcastle United’s Dan Burn celebrates scoring against Brighton(Image: Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock)
Newcastle United edged a nervous contest against Brighton & Hove Albion to steer off any unlikely prospect of being dragged into a relegation battle.
Newcastle took the lead on 12 minutes when Bruno Guimaraes dinked the ball down the right for Jacob Murphy and Bart Verbruggen raced out of his goal. But the Brighton keeper slipped as he tried to meet the Toon winger before Murphy regained his composure and crossed for William Osula to head home from close range.
Nick Pope pinged a fine pass down the right for Joe Willock to help set up the second goal as the ex-Arsenal man won a corner. Bruno swung the ball in and Blyth battler Dan Burn headed home his first Premier League strike of the season.
Substitute Yoane Wissa won the ball in the corner before the ball was threaded to Harvey Barnes who took a touch and fired home to make it 3-1 in the last minute of stoppage time.
Here’s how they fared:
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Nick Pope 7
Played a big part in the second goal with a fine pass to Joe Willock, which helped earn the corner and led to the second goal. Almost handed Brighton a first half goal with a hash of a clearance that Hinshelwood clipped off the post. A couple of important saves but as many nervous moments. An incredible stop to deny Charalampos Kostoulas.
Lewis Miley 8
A tidy display as he got the basics exactly right. Got over a few early jitters.
Malick Thiaw 8
Unflappable as he steered Newcastle through the game during tricky times.
Sven Botman 8
A defensive masterclass with 10 clearances. Missed a big chance in the first half.
Dan Burn 9
Some timely challenges and a goal. Scrapped and battled all afternoon. Man of the match.
Bruno Guimaraes 8
Gave it everything in the tank. A big hand in the first goal and a wonderful assist from a corner to set up Burn.
Joelinton 8
Back to his battling best. Put in a real shift. Some big aerial wins.
Sandro Tonali 7
Some big contributions as he tried to patrol the midfield.
Joe Willock 7
A lively presence and had a hand in the second goal by winning the corner, which led to the second. Squandered a chance to make it 3-0.
Jacob Murphy 7
A fine assist after showing determination to win the ball down the right and cross for Osula.
William Osula 8
Took his tally to seven for the season. Some lightning quick breaks and was a real threat. But could have had a hat-trick.
Subs
Lewis Hall 7 (Murphy 66)
Played his part and was a real outlet.
Harvey Barnes 8 (for Willock 66)
Came on a made a BIG difference. Smashed home to seal the game.
Yoane Wissa 6 (for Osula 66)
One horror miss and an assist.
Jacob Ramsey (for Bruno 90)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to earn a mark
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