What Newcastle’s coaching staff were ‘adamant’ about in loss to Brighton

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Newcastle United lost for only the second time in the Premier League this season on Saturday.

Defeat to a Brighton side who have been in brilliant form this season is nothing to be ashamed about of course but the manner of the loss was hugely disappointing.

Indeed, while the away side certainly improved after the break, Brighton did look there for the taking.

Newcastle dominated for much of the opening period and could not find a way through, squandering a number of presentable chances.

Alexander Isak was far from his best, though he was not alone in that.

It could, however, have been different.

There were claims for a Newcastle penalty in the first-half, after the ball struck Seagulls defender Joel Veltman on what appeared to be the arm while he was pressuring Lewis Hall in the box.

VAR did check it but nothing was given and Eddie Howe gave his reaction after the game.

Eddie Howe shares what Newcastle’s coaching staff were adamant about against Brighton

Speaking to The Northern Echo after the game, the Newcastle United manager revealed that his coaching staff were adamant the spot-kick should have been awarded.

“A couple of our coaches have and they’re adamant it was a penalty,” he said.

“If I look at it back and have the same view as the coaches it will be a huge frustration because we were totally dominant at that point.

“When you have that start in a game you want a goal for your endeavours. That was all that was missing in the first 35 minutes.

“If we were 2-0 up we’d have thought it was one of our best performances in a long time. Goals change perceptions of performances and I have to keep some kind of perspective on that.”

Newcastle have no one to blame but themselves

Such were Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal on Saturday, it would hardly have been surprising if they missed the penalty even if the VAR call went their way.

They, frankly, have no one to blame but themselves.

While suggesting there was nothing to be optimistic about during the game would perhaps be too harsh, the lack of fire power is a real worry.

That was the saving grace last season but has, rather suddenly, become something of a major issue.

Solutions need to be found if Newcastle stand any hope of pushing for Europe this season. Beter finishing would have seen them beat both Brighton and Everton before the international break…