Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Newcastle United 0
Albion confirmed their fourth Premier League season in a dull but ultimately vital draw at the Amex.
Although both team fashioned chances, it was a game devoid of any of the real thrills and spills that the Premier League so often gives us.
Neal Maupay found himself clear after Matt Ritchie dwelt then lost his footing, with Maupay forcing a save from Martin Dubravka.
And Dwight Gayle headed Jonjo Shelvey’s corner just over the Albion bar with a deft glance.
Just before the end, Andy Carroll had a chance to steal it for the Magpies but his free header in the six-yard box trickled wide.
The longer the second half went on, the less likely either team looked like scoring.
Albion managed to pick up two first yellow cards, one for Yves Bissouma and one for Pascal Gross.
Newcastle’s on loan England full back Danny Rose was the Newcastle player most in the wars. The Tottenham man yelped when clattered by Gross and the again impressive Tariq Lamptey.
Albion fans are no doubt looking forward to Sunday when we can sit on our sofas and watch Watford, Bournemouth and Aston Villa sweat it out to see who follows Norwich through the trap door.
So Albion’s tenure in the top tier will last at least as long as their last stay, with no glamorous FA Cup final to steal their attention away this time.
Despite the romance of the FA Cup, there is nothing more glamorous in world football than the Premier League.
Although saying that, it’s Burnley away next Sunday for the Seagulls.
