Welbeck continues hot streak with brilliant double for Brighton in win over Newcastle | OneFootball

Danny Welbeck’s brilliant Brighton double earned them a big victory over Champions League Newcastle at the Amex.

The defeat leaves Eddie Howe’s side languishing in 13th in the table, with three defeats from their opening eight Premier League matches. It was a tale of more frustration for the Geordies and their thousands of supporters who had made the long journey south.

At 34, Welbeck is showing no signs of slowing down and such is his importance to this Brighton team, Fabian Hurzeler recognises the former England international as his first-choice striker.

It was a typically accomplished finish which broke the deadlock five minutes before the break. Welbeck was sent clear by Georginio Rutter’s through ball before cooly chipping the ball over the onrushing Nick Pope and into the empty net.

If only Newcastle’s forward players possessed the same calm nature in front of goal. Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy and Bruno Guimaraes all spurned good chances as the visitors tried to mount a second-half fightback.

Brighton looked to double their advantage enjoying several threatening moments on the counter attack. Former Newcastle man Yankuba Minteh’s lightning pace providing the outlet time and again but nothing came from their endeavours into the visitor’s territory.

Newcastle were denied a penalty with 20 minutes to go as referee Craig Pawson turned away protests for a handball – VAR swiftly agreed that no further action should be taken.

But just minutes after that moment of controversy, a moment of brilliance of Newcastle’s new hero. Woltemade’s outrageous flick into the far corner hauled Howe’s side level.

But Welbeck would have the last laugh. Reacting quickest as the ball dropped on the edge of the box, he curled his effort beyond Pope with five minutes remaining to restore Brighton’s lead.

The 34-year-old was then serenaded off by the home support who acknowledged his importance to the Brighton cause.

Newcastle pressed for an equaliser deep into stoppage time, Dan Burn somehow failing to connect after the ball had dropped in front of him just six yards out.

Yet more problems for Newcastle who are yet to fully kick into gear this season.