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Halftime Thoughts: Newcastle trails Brighton by two goals

By Carson A Merk

Brighton's Neal Maupay. (Photo by LEE SMITH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Brighton's Neal Maupay. (Photo by LEE SMITH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United conceded two goals very early on vs. Brighton and are down 2-0 at the break.

With another winnable match on the schedule for Newcastle United, Steve Bruce trotted out the same starting XI as the win over West Ham. Unfortunately, the Magpies were behind against Brighton and Hove Albion by the fourth minute as Tariq Lamptey drew a penalty. Neal Maupay converted from the spot and scored again minutes later from the run of play.

Quick Kicks

  • Just like last season, Newcastle United can’t seem to figure out the Brighton defense. They went to the dressing room with only one shot (a blocked effort), zero on target, and just 40% possession. In last year’s home match vs. Brighton, Newcastle got booed off the pitch at the end of both halves and I’d imagine they would’ve received similar treatment after the whistle for halftime today.
  • The foul committed by Allan Saint-Maximin merited a penalty and it likely would have been avoided if the Newcastle winger put himself in a better position defensively.
  • Another crucial call went against the Magpies as a goal was initially waved off due to offside before VAR overturned that decision. Again, that appeared to be the correct decision.
  • Just after the half-hour mark, Bruce pulled Saint-Maximin out and replaced him with Ryan Fraser. ASM looked like he twisted his ankle pretty early on, but he also careless in defense and the attack.
  • Jonjo Shelvey, already on a yellow card, received a talking to from referee Kevin Friend. He was clearly frustrated and he will need to stay focused and not allow that to affect his performance in the second half.
  • It will be interesting to see how long the NUFC manager goes before bringing on Miguel Almiron. The electric Paraguayan started this match on the bench again, just like he did vs. the Hammers, and will likely be turned to at some point after the break to give this lifeless Newcastle attack a spark.
  • Speaking of electric, Lamptey has been unreal for Brighton. He’s flying around the pitch and doing the job in attack and defense for the Seagulls.
  • Callum Wilson has been lively, but Andy Carroll hasn’t done much for Newcastle. Maybe Joelinton comes off the bench early in the second half to replace him?