Danny Welbeck’s extra-time goal secured Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round. Newcastle initially led through Alexander Isak’s penalty, but Yankuba Minteh equalized just before half-time. The match saw red cards for both sides, with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon sent off for violent conduct and Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey dismissed for a second booking. Despite Newcastle’s dominance, including an offside goal from Fabian Schar, Brighton advanced to the quarter-finals for the second time in three seasons, aiming for their first FA Cup win since 1983. Newcastle, meanwhile, faces a trophy drought since 1955.
Danny Welbeck propelled Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a decisive extra-time goal, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over Newcastle in a clash marked by red cards for both sides. Alexander Isak’s penalty put Newcastle in front during the fifth round match at St James’ Park. Former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh managed to equalise before halftime, paving the way for an intense second half. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was sent off for violent conduct in the 83rd minute after pushing Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke in the head.
Brighton also faced a dismissal later in the second half when Tariq Lamptey received a second yellow card.
Thanks to Welbeck’s goal in the dying moments of extra-time, Fabian Hurzeler’s team emerged victorious.
Brighton has yet to lift the FA Cup and last reached the final in 1983, when they lost a replay against Manchester United.
Since suffering a 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, the Seagulls have won five consecutive matches.
This marks their return to the quarter-finals for the second time in three years, having triumphed at St James’ Park for the second time this season.
This result is a harsh setback for Newcastle, who have not won a domestic trophy since claiming the FA Cup in 1955, with their last major trophy being the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
If Newcastle does not appeal Anthony Gordon’s three-match suspension, they will be missing a key player for the League Cup final against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley on March 16.
Brighton strikes back
Newcastle started strongly as Harvey Barnes delivered a precise cross to the far post, where Isak shot over from close range after Adam Webster blocked his initial effort.
Isak tested Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a long-distance strike before Newcastle took the lead in the 22nd minute.
Minteh’s reckless challenge on Tino Livramento resulted in a penalty, which Isak confidently drilled into the top corner.
That marked Isak’s 22nd goal across all competitions this season, and he had the ball in the net again moments later with a powerful shot, only for an offside flag to halt his celebrations.
Newcastle seemed to be in full control when Anthony Gordon curled a shot that Verbruggen brilliantly saved.
However, Brighton secured an unexpected equaliser in the 44th minute.
Joao Pedro’s excellent pass found Minteh in the box, and his shot took a deflection as it whizzed past Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka.
This was a moment of joy for Minteh, who transferred to Brighton from Newcastle last year in a £30 million ($37 million) deal.
Gordon received a red card with seven minutes remaining in regular time after striking out at Van Hecke while they disputed possession following an offside call against Isak.
Lamptey followed Gordon off the pitch during stoppage time after a rash foul on Jacob Murphy.
Fabian Schar thought he had scored the winner for Newcastle in stoppage time, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed he was offside.
Brighton pushed hard during extra time. Dubravka made a spectacular save to deny Diego Gomez’s powerful shot from the edge of the area.
As Newcastle faltered, Welbeck clinched victory for the Seagulls in the 114th minute, racing onto Solly March’s perfectly timed pass and deftly lifting his shot over Dubravka.
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