Author: Soorya G
Newcastle have all but confirmed their Champions League status for next season. Newcastle beat a weak Brighton side 4-1 at St. James’ Park to win the match and take another step towards their first Champions League group stage appearance in 20 years. With just two games left to play, the Magpies are currently four points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool, which guarantees that their chances of playing in the Champions League next season will be solidified if they beat relegation candidates Leicester City on Monday. Newcastle United completely outplayed their opponents and took a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to Deniz Undav’s goal and Dan Burn’s header.
Undav made up for his mistake by halving his opponent’s lead early in the second half, but two late goals from England striker Callum Wilson and Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães handed Brighton, who used to be effervescent, another disappointing defeat, their second in the last three games, thus ending their chances of finishing in the top four.
Newcastle United are third in the standings, four points ahead of Liverpool, who are in fifth place, and with a win in their next two games, they will qualify for the Champions League. With just three games remaining, Brighton are eight points behind Manchester United for the final Champions League spot, making their chances of finishing in the top four extremely unlikely. With a game in hand and a one-point lead over seventh-placed Tottenham, Roberto De Zerbi’s side can, however, secure a place in the Europa League with two wins from their remaining three games.
Roberto de Zerbi, who gave a tactical masterclass at the weekend against Arsenal to end the team’s title hopes, got it all wrong against Eddie Howe, who proved to be the more technical of the two, on Thursday. Dan Burn’s header in first-half stoppage time was disallowed by Undav, but his earlier own goal, combined with poor defending from the Seagulls in the last few minutes, allowed the Magpies to come away with a big win, almost securing third place, while Brighton’s chances of a top-four finish fell through.