A thrilling encounter saw Brighton advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic extra-time victory over Newcastle. Danny Welbeck emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal to seal the Seagulls’ progression in a match filled with controversy and excitement.
Newcastle believed they had won the tie in the dying moments of normal time when Fabian Schar directed a volley into the net. However, their celebrations were cut short as the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled the effort offside, denying them a last-gasp winner.
Early Goals and a Fiery Second Half
The Magpies took control in the first half, going ahead in the 22nd minute after Alexander Isak confidently converted a penalty. However, Brighton responded just before the interval, with Yankuba Minteh finding the net against the club that sold him last summer.
The second half was an intense battle, but neither side could find a breakthrough in regular time. The contest took a chaotic turn as both teams saw players dismissed in a heated finale. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card in the 83rd minute after pushing Jan Paul van Hecke in the head. His suspension will rule him out of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Brighton also found themselves reduced to ten men when Tariq Lamptey was sent off in added time after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Jacob Murphy.
Welbeck’s Decisive Goal in Extra Time
With penalties looming, Brighton seized their opportunity six minutes from the end of extra time. Solly March provided the crucial pass, setting up Welbeck, who expertly chipped the ball past Martin Dubravka, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling supporters.
The goal marked Welbeck’s eighth of the season, continuing his strong record at St. James’ Park, where he also netted the winner in Brighton’s league victory over Newcastle in October.
