Newcastle holds third place, much to the frustration of United and Liverpool

Newcastle United can almost smell the Champions League already, after a 4-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The ‘Magpies’ need just one win in their last two Premier League matches to secure placement for the billion-dollar ball.

Newcastle is third in England with 69 points. Manchester United follows on three points, but still has a game to go. Liverpool is also still chasing a Champions League ticket from spot five, but needs point losses to Newcastle or Manchester to finish in the top four.

After a good run, Newcastle failed to win the last two duels with Leeds United (2-2) and Arsenal (0-2). However, against Brighton, who are experiencing a great season, things ran smoothly the old-fashioned way.

Newcastle were dangerous themselves through Alexander Isak (former Willem II), Fabian Schär and Joelinton, but needed an own goal to make it 1-0. After a corner by Kieran Trippier, Deniz Undav extended the ball into his own goal. Just before halftime, Dan Burn headed in a free kick from Trippier.

After a great chance for Newcastle attacker Miguel Almirón, Undav suddenly gave Brighton some hope again. On a pass from Billy Gilmour, the German made it 2-1 in the 51st minute.

Newcastle remained the better team, however, and Callum Wilson decided the game in the 89th minute. Bruno Guimarães put the 4-1 on the board in injury time.

At Newcastle, Sven Botman (former Ajax) played the 150th league game of his career. Jan Paul van Hecke (former Sc Heerenveen) was in the starting line-up at Brighton.