Welbeck fires Brighton past Newcastle into FA Cup quarter-finals

Danny Welbeck’s extra-time winner sealed Brighton’s place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle in a fiery fifth-round clash at St James’ Park.

Alexander Isak had given Newcastle the lead from the penalty spot before former Magpies winger Yankuba Minteh equalised late in the first half. The game then descended into chaos as both sides were reduced to 10 men—Anthony Gordon seeing red for a clash with Jan Paul van Hecke, followed by Tariq Lamptey’s late dismissal.

Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton held their nerve, and Welbeck’s late strike secured their second win at St James’ Park this season, sending the Seagulls into the last eight for the second time in three seasons.

Newcastle undone by late drama

Newcastle started brightly, with Isak twice going close before winning and converting a penalty in the 22nd minute after Minteh’s reckless challenge on Tino Livramento. The Swedish striker later had another goal ruled out for offside.

Despite Newcastle’s dominance, Brighton struck back just before halftime. Joao Pedro’s perfectly weighted pass found Minteh, whose deflected shot beat Martin Dubravka to level the scores.

The match turned ugly late on when Gordon was sent off in the 83rd minute for shoving Van Hecke in the head. Brighton’s numerical advantage was short-lived as Lamptey received a second booking in stoppage time.

Fabian Schar thought he had won it for Newcastle, but his last-gasp volley was ruled offside after a VAR review.

Brighton took control in extra time, forcing Dubravka into a stunning save from Diego Gomez. With six minutes left, Solly March’s incisive pass sent Welbeck through, and the veteran striker finished clinically to send Brighton through.

(Source: AFP)