Newcastle Toons
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Toon Takeaways from Newcastle United’s frustrating loss to Brighton

ByCarson A Merk|
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Jose Izquierdo of Brighton and Hove Albion shoots which leads to Brighton and Hove Albion first goal of the game during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on October 20, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Jose Izquierdo of Brighton and Hove Albion shoots which leads to Brighton and Hove Albion first goal of the game during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on October 20, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

In a match that they dominated statistically, Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Brighton.

Newcastle United finished with a huge edge in possession, shots, and corners. But, they couldn’t find the net and lost 1-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion. We take a deeper look at a devastating loss.

Top Toons

Jonjo Shelvey: He was the best player on the pitch. Shelvey was able to create chances for others and have a couple of shots himself, including a lovely free kick. There are few things in soccer more beautiful than a pinpoint pass from seemingly a mile away from the star midfielder.

Kenedy: Especially in the first half, Kenedy looked like the promising player from last season. He was flying around the pitch, delivering quality crosses, and narrowly missed a goal when his rocket of a shot skimmed over the bar.

Mediocre Magpies

Mohamed Diame: He looked especially poor playing next to the shining performance from Shelvey. His first touch consistently let him down and he had a shot go way off target.

Ayoze Perez: After Shelvey won the ball back on the edge of the box, Ayoze fired the ball straight at the keeper and couldn’t capitalize on an early chance. He had a couple more shots that should’ve been handled better and tried to dribble through the entire box rather than shoot in the second half.

Quick Kicks

  • If there was ever a match that showcased Newcastle United’s lack of a proven goalscorer, it was this one. They finished with over 20 shots and could not convert once. Yoshinori Muto’s header was an especially easy opportunity that wasn’t buried.
  • After most weeks went by with a heavy deficit in possession, the Toon carried more than 65% of it today. It was positive to see them play well on the ball, but possession without goals is useless.
  • All of us at Newcastle Toons are hoping Glenn Murray makes a quick and full recovery. His head injury, after a clash with Federico Fernandez, was tough to watch.
  • The goal for Brighton was an unfortunate one. The corner kick that led to it should have been a goal kick and the shot was deflected twice. After Newcastle United were the better side early, it was unlucky that they conceded.

What’s Next?

The Magpies hit the road to take on Southampton a week from today. Mark Hughes’ squad finished level with Bournemouth in a 0-0 draw.