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Brighton thrash Newcastle in relegation battle
BRIGHTON, United Kingdom, March 21, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Brighton surged six
points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with a comprehensive 3-0
win over Newcastle on Saturday to pile more pressure on Magpies boss Steve
Bruce.
Leandro Trossard, Danny Welbeck and Neal Maupay were on target for the
Seagulls as for once this season Graham Potter’s men turned their dominance
into goals.
“Our performances in between the boxes have been really good, we’ve just
been a bit short in the boxes,” said Potter. “The game becomes a bit easier
when you score.”
Brighton had won just once at home in the league since June, but increased
Newcastle’s relegation fears.
Bruce’s men remain just two points clear of third-bottom Fulham, albeit
with a game in hand to come.
However, momentum is against Newcastle as they have won just two of their
last 19 games.
“It’s difficult to digest at the moment. We simply weren’t anywhere near
good enough on the night,” said Bruce.
“Fair play to Brighton, they were better in every department.”
The visitors also suffered the latest in a series of injury blows as Isaac
Hayden was stretchered off before half-time with what looked like a serious
knee problem.
Brighton took advantage of the first-half stoppage time added on for the
Hayden injury as Trossard smartly brought the ball under control and cut
inside before finding the bottom corner with a well-struck shot.
Ryan Fraser came closest to a Newcastle response when he hit the post
shortly after the restart.
But it was Brighton who doubled their lead on 51 minutes when Welbeck
followed Trossard’s example with a precise low finish into the far corner
from outside the area.
Maupay rounded off the scoring 22 minutes from time by volleying home
Pascal Gross’s cross.
BSS/AFP/FI/0814 hrs