Newcastle 2 – 1 Brighton

Newcastle scored twice in two minutes to extend their unbeaten run to eight games with a cagey win over Brighton.

It was a first Premier League victory for Eddie Howe’s side against top-10 opposition this season and once again showed their improved resilience and grit under their new manager.

After a bright start by the visitors, Ryan Fraser gave Newcastle the lead with his second goal of the season after Jacob Murphy’s effort had bounced back off the post following a quick break.

They doubled their lead when Fabian Schar headed in from Fraser’s free-kick.

Lewis Dunk clawed a goal back 10 minutes after the break when he lost Chris Wood from a corner to head in unmarked.

That led to a nervy period for the hosts, as Dunk had another header saved by Martin Dubravka and Graham Potter’s side bossed possession.

Allan Saint-Maximin came off the bench following a calf injury to waste a good chance late on, but it did not prove costly with Brighton unable find an equaliser.

Victory moves Newcastle seven points clear of the relegation zone, one place behind Brighton, who slip to 13th after a fourth successive defeat.

Newcastle’s fifth win in six games put further space between themselves and the relegation zone, but this was a functional rather than spectacular victory over a Brighton side that could not take advantage of their intricate play.

The first 10 minutes were a case in point. Potter’s well-drilled side created space down the flanks but were thwarted by former Brighton defender Dan Burn, who had an excellent game.

Pascal Gross, who threatened with set-pieces all afternoon, almost found Shane Duffy but the centre-back headed wide from five yards under pressure from Murphy.

But after an encouraging start, the game switched Newcastle’s way as Wood sold Duffy a dummy, sent Murphy away and Fraser tucked in the rebound.

Schar’s header then established a lead that looked comfortable, thanks to more smart defending from Burn and another impressive midfield display from Joelinton, whose limbs seemed to be everywhere.

But the hosts’ lacklustre start to the second half led to Dunk pulling a goal back when he lost Wood, who is still yet to score in seven games since his £25m move from Burnley.

That led to a period where Newcastle lost control of the game. They were let off because Brighton failed to find the killer pass as the home fans began to show their nerves and frustration as the likes of Joe Willock gave the ball away.

The Magpies have given away more points than any other Premier League team from winning positions, and it looked like they might concede an equaliser.

But when Bruno Guimaraes came on to help in midfield it offered an improvement despite Leandro Trossard’s late effort being saved by Dubravka.

-BBC