Isaac Hayden rescued a point for Newcastle United in the 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion.
It ensured that the Magpies didn’t go into the November international break bottom of the Premier League table.
Going into the Saturday Night Football clash at the Amex Stadium, Newcastle found themselves rock bottom following Norwich City’s 2-1 win at Brentford.
With Eddie Howe in the stands, sitting alongside Jason Tindall and Amanda Staveley, the former Bournemouth manager saw his impending new club go behind through a 24th minute Leandro Trossard penalty, after Ciaran Clark’s knee had caught the Belgian following a long VAR check.
Clark atoned for his foul by heading down a Matt Ritchie towards Hayden, who slotted the ball home to bring the score level with 25 minutes remaining.
After being played in by Joelinton, Callum Wilson went past Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez before being tripped by the Spanish international.
The goalkeeper was given a straight red card in the 92nd minute after another VAR check, but Graeme Jones’ side couldn’t capitalise despite Brighton being down to 10 men and having captain Lewis Dunk in net for the final seven minutes.
Hayden reacts to Brighton display
Playing alongside Jonjo Shelvey in midfield in a 5-4-1 formation, Hayden scored his first Premier League goal since January 2020, which came in the 1-0 win against Chelsea at St James’ Park (Transfermarkt).
No player won more tackles (5) at the Amex than the 26-year-old. It was an impressive performance by the former Arsenal man in front of the club’s potential new manager.
The midfielder posted on Instagram after the game to thank the ‘amazing’ away support, but he felt his team deserved to come away from the match with all three points.
Hayden wrote on Instagram: “Gutted not to get the 3 points I thought overall we deserved as a group, but we showed our spirit second half to fight until the end for 3 points, but it wasn’t to be today. Thanks to the amazing away support. See you after the international break #nufc“
With Brentford to come to St James’ Park, in the first match after the international break, in what could be Howe’s first game in charge, Newcastle head into the international break five points off safety.
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