Newcastle United have been knocked out of the FA Cup after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Brighton after extra-time.
Eddie Howe named a strong side for the cup match with Alexander Isak and Joelinton returning from injury and the game started at a high tempo.
Both teams looked dangerous but it was Newcastle United who took the lead when Isak smashed in a penalty after Yankuba Minteh upended Tino Livramento in the box.
It was an eventful return to St. James’ Park for Minteh, who made amends for his mistake by slotting in the equaliser.
The Magpies were sluggish after the break with too many players being slack on the ball and causing problems for themselves by giving it away.
It was a low quality game with both teams playing well below their usual standard and things took a disastrous turn for Newcastle when Anthony Gordon was sent off for a shove off the ball on Jan Paul Van Hecke and Isak hobbled off injured moments later.
A boring half continued to get more dramatic as Tariq Lamptey was then dismissed as well before Fabian Schar thought he’d won it with a great volley but his goal was disallowed for offside.
A tense extra-time followed but it was Brighton who edged it when Danny Welbeck lofted the ball into the goal for a heartbreaking end to the game.
Here’s how the players rated as the Toon crash out of the FA Cup.
Martin Dubravka – 7.5
Fans chanted Martin Dubravka’s name during the match in a clear sign of who they think should be the first choice goalkeeper. It was another dependable display and Newcastle seemed much more settled and secure with him between the sticks instead of the struggling Nick Pope.
Made some strong saves, including a sensational one in extra-time, and could do little about either goal.
Kieran Trippier – 7
Unlucky to see Minteh’s shot slightly deflect off him on its way into the net but was otherwise solid and kept a threatening winger in Karou Mitoma really quiet.
Fabian Schar – 4
Seems to be struggling at the moment. Fabian Schar completely lost Minteh as he raced through to score his goal and he was repeatedly sloppy on the ball, giving it away in dangerous positions that could have been costly. Made some needless fouls, too.
Thought he’d won the game with a great finish but was a whisker off-side.
Dan Burn – 6
A bit shaky at points with some loose touches and nervy moments. Got pulled out of position to leave space for Minteh to exploit for his goal but made some good challenges and a clearance off the line.
Tino Livramento – 6.5
Asked to play on the left with Lewis Hall injured and was up against a rapid customer in Minteh but handled him really well in one-on-one situations. Even got the better of him to win the penalty, too, as he attacked relentlessly again.
Was let down by two moments of a lack of focus as he played Newcastle into trouble with a bad touch after the break and then he was the one who kept Welbeck onside for the winner.
Lewis Miley – 5
Economical on the ball but wasn’t as influential in attacking areas like he was against Nottingham Forest. Taken off before the hour.
Sandro Tonali – 8
On hand to make some timely interceptions and crucial tackles as he was forced to clean up time and again after Newcastle played themselves into trouble. Continued his fine performance through the 120 minutes and Newcastle likely would have gone behind much sooner if not for him.
Joelinton – 6.5
A sight for sore eyes to see Joelinton back in the middle of the park and he was straight back in amongst it as he hustled and bustled and wrestled everyone who came his way. Brought off just after the break to no doubt keep him fresh for the Carabao Cup final.
Harvey Barnes – 6
Started really sharp on his first start in months and would have got an assist within three minutes had Isak been able to convert from his great cross. There were some nice dribbles early on but he faded before being taken off in the 56th minute.
Alexander Isak – 8
Back in the team and back on the score sheet from the penalty spot and there was nothing strange about this one as he blasted it into the top corner.
Bullied Brighton’s defenders and showed just what was missing against Liverpool with his driving runs, intricate dribbling and delightful passing. A nutmeg on Georginio Rutter and a through ball to Bruno Guimaraes were particular highlights.
Didn’t take advantage of a couple of chances, though, and should have held his run so his fantastic strike wasn’t disallowed for offside.
Worryingly, was forced off with an injury just after Gordon’s red card and if it’s serious then the Carabao Cup final just got a whole lot tougher to win.
Anthony Gordon – 3
Wasn’t playing particularly well before his disastrous red card. Sent off for a stupid push and will miss the Carabao Cup final as a result.
Before that, Anthony Gordon stopped tracking Minteh as he ran through on goal but was lively going forward. Delivered some teasing crosses into the box but another match in which he wasn’t very effective.
Substitutes
Bruno Guimaraes – 6.5
Made the wrong decision when played through by Isak and some more moments of sloppiness on the ball but started to find his feet with some nice passing and moves forward. Battled as hard as ever, especially when down to 10.
Joe Willock – 6
Dug in deep after coming on to try and combat Brighton’s pressure, but astonishing that he didn’t score a tap-in header. Played well on the left with some nice interplay.
Jacob Murphy – 5
Worked hard and got Lamptey sent off with his quick feet but was far too heavy footed with passing on several occasions and squandered some dangerous positions.
Matt Targett – 6
Steady and unlucky to be left exposed on the left as Brighton got through for the winning goal.
Callum Wilson – 5
Hardly got a sniff.
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