Brighton 1 – 1 Newcastle – MC Global Concept

Alexander Isak rescued a crucial point for Newcastle in a 1-1 draw at Brighton to keep the Magpies’ Champions League hopes alive.

In a bizarre second half, Newcastle were awarded three penalties by on-field referee Craig Pawson – but only one, which was eventually scored by Isak, was taken.

The first two were correctly ruled out by VAR. The first was a foul from Tariq Lamptey on Anthony Gordon, which occurred outside the box. The second resulted in a booking for Joe Willock for simulation after Jan Paul van Hecke was initially penalised for a foul.

But the third was a clear Yasin Ayari handball from a Newcastle free kick, and was confirmed by VAR. Isak stepped up confidently to power home and secure what could be a vital draw.

After the game, both managers agreed with the officiating decisions. Speaking to Sky Sports, Eddie Howe said: “That’s what VAR is there for. If the first tackle is outside the box, that’s the right call. Joe Willock wasn’t touched, it’s the right call. But I thought the third was a stonewall penalty.”

Fabian Hurzeler added it was ‘clear that they were not near penalties’ for the first two decisions, adding he was yet to see the third one back.

Newcastle’s late comeback will have softened the blow slightly of yet another goal from Yankuba Minteh against his former side.

The 20-year-old – who Eddie Howe had been reluctant to sell in the summer – scored via a deflection off Dan Burn just before the half an hour to see Brighton ahead. He also scored against Newcastle in a 2-1 win for the Seagulls in the FA Cup in March.

And Brighton could have landed a late blow on their opponents as an unmarked Diego Gomez headed wide from close range. Callum Wilson, too, drew a fine save from Bart Verbruggen in the final moments.

But Newcastle will ultimately be satisfied to come from behind for a draw at a ground they are yet to win at in the Premier League in a game where they were not at their best, especially in the final third.

They are now level on 63 points with Chelsea – who beat Liverpool 3-1 – with the two sides also having the same goal difference ahead of their meeting next Sunday. Brighton – also in the hunt for European football next season – remain in 10th.

Howe: We deserved a point, if not more

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe to Sky Sports: “It’s probably a good point for us, we came here to try and win. I thought it was a good performance from us, we were pretty good today without being at our absolute best.

“We were perhaps disappointed with how we created around the box – our final pass and final cross wasn’t at its highest level. But I thought we had the mainstay of possession and chances in the game.

“We were disappointed with how we conceded – that’s the biggest disappointment for us.

“I thought we did enough to definitely warrant a point, if not more. We were the team trying to win the game.

“We were tactically very good. I give full credit to the players because Brighton are a difficult team to stop and not only that, but how we chased the game as well. Sometimes that’s a very difficult thing to do, but we did it with intelligence and ultimately got our reward.

“It’s all to play for. We have three very tough games in different ways. Two of them are at home and we hope that can make the difference.”

Isak: A new experience to prepare for three penalties

Newcastle goalscorer Alexander Isak to Sky Sports after drawing against Brighton:

“You take the responsibility and it’s tough but I like that responsibility. It was a bit tough to prepare for a penalty three times. That was a new experience but I’m happy I kept my concentration.

“That’s football, it’s a range of emotions. You get the penalty and you feel happy, then you get disappointed. But you have to leave it behind quick and focus on the game, which I did.

“Before the game, we wanted to win it. But being 1-0 down for the most part of the game, you start thinking about getting a point and go from there. It’s a good mentality from the group to stay in the game.

“We’re battling for a lot and it’s an exciting period.”

Hurzeler reflects on ‘positives’ from Newcastle draw

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler to Sky Sports:

“It’s a little bit mixed feelings. On one side, we can be proud of the performance. On the other side, it was a late goal for Newcastle.

“Of course, we wanted more and to win. Overall, we have to accept the draw and try to see the positive things because there were a lot.

“We defended well, we stuck together, we showed a good togetherness with the team so I’m happy.

“It’s not easy to get the control against Newcastle. We have to find solutions, we were not always able to control the game because of their intensity, but overall, we tried to stick together and that’s a positive.

“We’re always optimistic [for the final three games] and our focus is on the next game.”