Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Newcastle United 1
By Tim Hodges from the Amex
Pascal Gross scored Albion’s first goal in all competitions since 9th March, as the Seagulls drew with Newcastle, meaning the Cardiff have to beat both Crystal Palace and Manchester United to overhaul Albion in the fight for Premier League survival.
Albion again started brightly enough but again did not have that definitive end product to be able to inflict an early wound on Newcastle.
An early free kick saw Bernando and Gross stood over the ball. What followed was obviously a very well rehearsed training ground free kick routine, which wasn’t alright on the night. The ball falling for a surprised Florin Andone, who was easily dispossessed by Matt Ritchie
With little to play for Newcastle began steaming forward Johnjo Shelvey supporting Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon.
However it was from a Ritchie knockdown that Perez lashed home Newcastle opener.
Perez has tormented Albion before, back in February 2017 he scored the winner in the Championship top of the table clash at the Amex.
Newcastle could have had a penalty as Bruno clipped Rondon, but Mike Dean waved away appeals
Maty Ryan had to get down smartly to deny Christian Atsu.
At half time it was Newcastle on top and looking for a second.
As the fans enjoyed the sight of the 1979 promotion squad on the pitch at half time, so Solly March disappeared down the tunnel, as the teams emerged for the second half he replaced the already booked Andone.
A strange incident at the start of the second half saw Beram Kayal and Rondon hug each other with the ball in play.
Soon after Kayal suffered any injury and was replaced by Yves Bissouma.
March certainly gave Albion more width and pace.
However, with Shelvey orchestrating midfield Newcastle still looked a threat.
March was seeing a lot of the ball and Bernardo was working into some effective positions to cross the ball. From a Gross corner Shane Duffy headed narrowly wide as Albion finally had their tails up.
March put another great cross but it just evaded Gross and Murray at the far post.
Anthony Knockheart back available after his red card at home to Bournemouth replaced Izquierdo and was soon firing crosses in, one was gathered by Martin Dubravka before Murray could get to it.
Then the moment Albion fans have been waiting for almost six weeks. Bruno and Knockheart combined well on the right , Bruno sent over a cross that Murray headed goalwards and Gross planted it firmly past Dubravka.
Albion were level and had a great chance to go ahead , as this time March fired over a cross which Murray headed over, with Lewis Dunk poised and better placed right behind him.
Albion got the vital point and with Cardiff losing away at already relegated Fulham, the Seagulls move four points with two games to play. Albion have a far better goal difference than Cardiff.
Albion play Arsenal at the Emirates next Sunday (4th May) whilst Cardiff play Crystal Palace the day before. The Seagulls could be safe by the time they play Arsenal, in fact many lives could have changed after next Friday , but don’t count on it.
do u really think crystal palace are going to do us any favours? – my prediction cardiff 3 – 0 palace
So,what do you think now ?