Danny Welbeck fired Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic extra-time strike, securing a 2-1 victory over Newcastle in a stormy encounter marred by red cards for both teams.
Newcastle took the lead early in the fifth-round tie at St James’ Park, with Alexander Isak converting a penalty in the 22nd minute after Yankuba Minteh’s reckless challenge on Tino Livramento.
Brighton, however, responded before the break. Minteh, who joined Brighton from Newcastle in a £30 million deal last year, leveled the score with a deflected shot from Joao Pedro’s superb pass in the 44th minute.
The second half saw both teams reduced to 10 men in quick succession. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was sent off in the 83rd minute for violent conduct after headbutting Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, while Tariq Lamptey followed shortly after, dismissed for a second booking in stoppage time.
With the game heading into extra time, both teams fought valiantly, but it was Welbeck who clinched the win for Brighton in the 114th minute. The striker latched onto a perfectly timed pass from Solly March and calmly lifted his shot over Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, sending Brighton into the next round.
Brighton, who have never won the FA Cup, have reached the quarter-finals for the second time in three years. This victory also marks their second win at St James’ Park this season. Their impressive run comes after five consecutive victories since their 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
For Newcastle, this defeat was another blow in their quest for silverware, as they have not won a domestic trophy since their FA Cup triumph in 1955. Their last major trophy came in 1969 with the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
To make matters worse, Gordon will miss Newcastle’s upcoming League Cup final against Premier League leaders Liverpool on March 16, unless the club successfully appeals his three-match ban for his red card.
Match highlights
Newcastle began brightly, with Harvey Barnes delivering a pinpoint cross to Isak, who blazed over from close range after his first effort was blocked by Brighton’s Adam Webster. Isak then forced Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen into a fine save with a long-range drive before winning the penalty that gave Newcastle the lead.
Isak’s penalty in the 22nd minute, a powerful shot into the top corner, was his 22nd goal of the season. The Swedish striker almost added another, blasting the ball into the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Brighton, despite being under pressure, grew into the game. Minteh’s equalizer just before halftime was a sweet moment for the winger, who had previously played for Newcastle. His deflected shot from inside the area left Dubravka with no chance.
The match turned fiery as Gordon’s red card and Lamptey’s dismissal left both teams down to 10 men. Newcastle thought they had snatched a winner in stoppage time when Fabian Schar volleyed in, but VAR ruled him offside.
In extra time, Newcastle’s resistance crumbled. Dubravka kept them in the game with a brilliant stop to deny Diego Gomez’s long-range effort. However, it was Welbeck who ultimately sealed Brighton’s progress with a composed finish after latching onto March’s expertly weighted pass.
Brighton’s victory further fuels their momentum as they look to make a deep run in this year’s FA Cup, while Newcastle’s hopes of ending their long trophy drought were dealt a harsh blow.
