Welbeck extra-time heroics send Seagulls through as Gordon sees red

Brighton secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Newcastle at St James’ Park to advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Danny Welbeck’s beautifully crafted finish in the 114th minute sealed the win for the Seagulls, punishing Newcastle for missed chances in what was an incredibly entertaining contest.

The match got off to a high-tempo start, with both sides eager to put themselves in the driving seat.

Newcastle nearly took the lead early on when Alexander Isak’s header was blocked by Adam Webster, and his follow-up effort sailed over.

Brighton responded with a chance of their own, as Joao Pedro made his way into the box but was stopped by Dan Burn.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when former Newcastle winger Yankuba Minteh clumsily brought down Tino Livramento inside the penalty area.

Referee Anthony Taylor had no hesitation in awarding the penalty, and Isak stepped up to confidently dispatch the spot-kick into the top corner, giving the hosts the lead.

It’s Danny Welbeck’s world, we’re just living in it.

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup)

Newcastle continued to push forward following the opener, and Isak thought he had doubled their advantage with a brilliant first-time finish, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Brighton struggled to create clear-cut chances but grew into the game as half-time approached.

Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Joao Pedro played a perfectly weighted through-ball to Minteh. The Gambian winger stayed onside and slotted past Martin Dubravka, his shot deflecting slightly off Kieran Trippier on its way in.

Out of respect for his former club, Minteh refrained from celebrating in front of his old fans.

The second half was even more of a battle, with both teams pushing for a winner. Newcastle had several opportunities, most notably when Joe Willock failed to make contact with a cross that only needed a simple touch to convert.

Brighton also had chances, with Joao Pedro forcing a strong save from Dubravka.

The game took a dramatic turn in the 83rd minute when Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was sent off for a moment of madness.

After an offside decision, the winger pushed Jan Paul van Hecke in the head, prompting the referee to brandish a straight red card.

FT: WHAT A WIN IN THE FA CUP! 🤩

[1-2] 📲 // 🟡🔵

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC)

Brighton looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage, but Tariq Lamptey’s dismissal in stoppage time for a second bookable offense levelled the playing field once again.

With the score tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra time was on the cards. Both teams appeared to be shattered but continued to battle for a winning goal.

Newcastle came agonisingly close in the 118th minute when Dan Burn’s powerful drive flashed inches wide of the far post. But just moments later, Brighton delivered the killer blow.

Solly March found space on the right flank and played a perfectly timed through ball to Welbeck, who had stayed onside.

The England international displayed great composure, lifting the ball over the onrushing Dubravka to complete the turnaround for the visitors.

Newcastle desperately searched for an equaliser in the dying moments, but their efforts fell short. As Willock fired a speculative shot wide in stoppage time, Eddie Howe’s anguish on the touchline summed up the Magpies’ frustrations.

Brighton held on in the final seconds to secure their place in the quarter-finals, leaving Newcastle to rue their missed chances and disciplinary issues.

The Seagulls now march on in the FA Cup, while the Magpies must quickly refocus ahead of their EFL Cup final against Liverpool in two weeks’ time, although they will have to do so now without the suspended Gordon.