The independent voice of Newcastle United since 1988 Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today Clinton Morrison has been discussing Champions League and especially the chances of Newcastle United qualifying The top five in the Premier League will make it and at the moment it looks like five clubs fighting for three places Clinton Morrison declaring; “I don’t worry about Newcastle I think they will get into the Champions League.” The late goal at Brighton means that Newcastle will be in fourth place when they face Chelsea next Sunday NUFC’s third last match of the season Things could look even better if Clinton Morrison’s former club Crystal Palace can do Newcastle United and the other Champions League challengers a favour, as they host a Forest side who have lost four of their last five matches including three of the last four in the Premier League Palace haven’t lost at home in any competition since 15 February 2025 and they have only lost two of their last twelve games home or away, losing to Man City and Newcastle United within four days of each other in April away from home Clinton Morrison speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast about Sunday’s match at the Amex Stadium and Newcastle United’s chances of Champions League qualification: “Going to Brighton is a hugely difficult game “Newcastle didn’t play well but they got the penalty at the end “They kept going and that could be a crucial point “I still think it is Newcastle’s to lose [when it comes to finishing in a Champions League spot] “I don’t worry about Newcastle I think they will get into the Champions League “I look at their run of games and there are some tough ones in there but at home they are fantastic in front of their fans “One player they did miss was Joelinton to break up the midfield and with his powerful running and the defensive work he does “But I still think Newcastle will be good enough to get into that Champions League spot.” View Author Profile If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk Newcastle United loan player releases emotional farewell statement to fans Official Newcastle United announcement- Garang Kuol shortlisted for award Confirmed Newcastle team v Brighton – Schar Sky Sports expert’s verdict on Newcastle United – Struggle to disagree with any of this I don’t worry about Newcastle United – Clinton Morrison Champions League stance Brendan Rodgers reacts to Celtic v Newcastle United friendly as ticket prices made public Celtic friendly now confirmed – Newcastle United official announcement Opta predicted final 2024/25 Premier League table – Reassessed with 3 games each to play Danny Murphy on Eddie Howe and Newcastle United – This is really good Leeds United are planning wholesale changes to their squad this summer as the club prepare to embark on their quest of establishing themselves back in the Premier League – and the likely first three players due to depart have come to light and with Paraag Marathe having explained why sales this summer WILL be necessary The Whites celebrated their dramatic coronation as Championship champions on Monday – sealed by Manor Solomon’s 91st-minute winner at Plymouth on the final day on Saturday – with a open-top bus parade with hundreds of thousands of supporters lining the streets of Leeds to celebrate Daniel Farke’s promotion-winning heroes But while the players who sealed the job can now look forward to a long break, behind the scenes Leeds United are working hard on re-shaping their squad ahead of the very obvious challenge of surviving in the Premier League two respected voices in the world of the Whites have revealed three players they now expect to depart Elland Road at the end of the season while doubts have emerged over four more stars too the first man out the door could well be Illan Meslier Speaking recently on The Athletic’s podcast I struggle to see being first choice at Leeds again But the way in which it has happened this season dropping out of the team on the back of two or three years of downward spiral “It makes you think he needs a fresh start and Leeds need to go after a new first-choice goalkeeper The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth has also confirmed our story from last week that Patrick Bamford has likely now played his last game for Leeds bringing an end to his seven-year stint at Elland Road “In my head, next summer, Bamford leaves. That means Leeds will already be one down. I would probably be thinking we’ll get a 9 but keep Piroe, a very good finisher, as a sub and keep Mateo Joseph to develop,” he said on the Inside Elland Road podcast The Whites are also expected to bid farewell to veteran midfielder Josuha Guilavogui who moved to Elland Road on a free transfer in October as Leeds sought to bring in midfield cover for the injuries sustained to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev The Frenchman is out of contract on July 1 READ MORE ⚪🔵🟡 Bamford lines up shock Champ move as Leeds turn to veteran Prem goal-grabber TEAMtalk understands that the Whites will listen to offers for Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood while Sam Byram will also likely depart as a free agent at the end of his deal and loan star Joe Rothwell are still to be made though the Whites are intent on keeping Tottenham loanee Solomon Having this weekend confirmed that Farke will continue as manager in the Premier League next season Marathe has now confirmed that players will likely have to leave this summer and that big-money sales are not out the window altogether “Your speculation is probably right – it’s going to be a mix of inbounds along with outbounds,” he told BBC Radio Leeds We are looking at maximising what we can do Leeds are also looking to bring in lots of Premier League experience to enhance their chances of beating the drop and there is a growing belief that a deal for Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff could be one of the first deals over the line The midfielder has been on his hometown team’s books all his career but has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe this season And while he has made 31 appearances in all competitions across the 2024/25 campaign Newcastle are understood to be ready to green light his exit if an asking price of around £10m is sent their way this summer — James Marshment (@marshyleeds) May 5, 2025 He’s been a brilliant servant to the football club,” Howe said during a press conference last week he can dictate what happens with his future He’s still a very valued member of the squad With Leeds seeking a new goalkeeper, one man who could fill that position is Caoimhin Kelleher. Now Liverpool have named their final price for the Irishman to leave this summer Leeds and Chelsea all learning his likely next destination Meanwhile, Leeds have added Troy Parrott to their striker shortlist for the summer window with the former Tottenham man under consideration along with two Premier League forwards And finally, there is also growing optimism that a deal for Manor Solomon will also seen be done after sources told us that Tottenham are open to the Israeli’s sale this summer and with Leeds growing increasingly confident a deal will soon be agreed Having failed to sign first-team players for what feels like an age now, Newcastle United’s options behind their largely excellent starting eleven are not all that compelling Still, Eddie Howe does have a few areas in which there is depth Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff are all capable replacements for Joelinton in central midfield where Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes start Out on the left wing, there’s also a battle for a starting berth. Harvey Barnes is currently the starting option there, while Anthony Gordon is pushing to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup Speaking after Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Brighton Howe claimed it was Gordon’s “job” to impress him off the bench That could suggest the 24-year-old will remain there over the final few games of the campaign. Barnes has been excellent for Newcastle this season, while Jacob Murphy has been one of the Premier League’s most effective forwards out on the right Gordon replaced Murphy with Barnes shifting over to the right on Sunday and won what first looked to have been a penalty after he was fouled by Tariq Lamptey although referee Craig Pawson overturned the decision after VAR deemed the contact had taken place outside the box #BHANEW – 57’ VAR OVERTURNVAR checked the referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Lamptey on Gordon and recommended that play restarted with a Newcastle free kick as the contact was outside the penalty area Asked whether or not Gordon played well, the Newcastle United manager said (via The Northern Echo): “Definitely when he gets an opportunity he has to come on the pitch and show his qualities He made one lovely pass to Bruno that could have ended up with a different outcome He influenced the game with the penalty decision and although it wasn’t given it gives a feeling the momentum is with us.” Gordon’s positive running helped Newcastle inject some energy into their performance but it’s hard to imagine Howe would have seen enough to drop Barnes all of a sudden Barnes had much more time on the pitch than Gordon did but produced far more in the way of shots and key passes That’s not to say Gordon can’t play a big role in the final three games He’s been an excellent player for Newcastle but Barnes is deserving of his starting role Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Brighton away and probably the last game of the season we will be able to get tickets for albeit today we are in amongst the home fans A few beers before a walk to the racecourse where buses ferry the Brighton fans to the ridiculously sited Amex Stadium Only to find that today there is a car boot sale Our timings are now out the window and I scramble an Uber to get us across the South Downs in what must be the most surreal journey to a Premier League Stadium No drama getting into the ground this time as my lad has learnt from last season and is not wearing his black and white stripes We take our seats near the Newcastle United fans who are in the official away section and perfectly in line with the six yard box (absolutely prime position for viewing the two controversial incidents that were about to arrive) Around us I notice plenty of what I assume to be tourist supporters with their bags of merch as well as plenty twenty something young men who have been generated by AI judging by their conversations about football The first half was a game of sparring with neither side getting a grip Up steps Minteh to score a good well worked goal Second half we appear to be upping the game with the introduction of Gordon and what feels like instantly he wins a penalty right in front of us the purgatory that is VAR steps in and the foul is ruled just outside the box Willock is definitely inside the box and takes a tumble From my perfect position I think it’s a good tackle and expect the ref to wave play on but no More VAR shenanigans before Willock is booked for diving and no penalty again I have no idea whether it was a penalty or not From our vantage point it was a sea of bodies and who could tell what had happened I haven’t seen any replays but I have heard that it was given for handball Isak lines up the penalty and how I held it together not to celebrate is a mystery Unlike my lad who celebrates along with an old guy in the row behind us if Wilson had burst the net with that shot instead of a good save by the keeper we would have been jumping up and down in ecstasy…but it was not to be We were not at our best today but I’ll take the point Brighton 1 Newcastle 1 – Sunday 4 May 2025 2pm (Stats via BBC Sport) Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Brighton 2 Touches in the box Newcastle 32 Brighton 17 (Brighton 1 Newcastle 1 – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE) (Brighton 1 Newcastle 1 – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE) View Author Profile Alexander Isak leaving Newcastle United headlines take decisive shift Just imagine having this brilliant player in black and white stripes next season Monday night twist impacts chase for Champions League places Brighton fans comments after Sunday’s draw against Newcastle United – Interesting Danny Murphy has been talking about Newcastle United The former Liverpool and England midfielder reacting after the 1-1 draw at Brighton Eddie Howe having stated the match that United weren’t ‘clinical enough’ in the final third saying Newcastle United ‘looked a really good side’ and were better than Brighton as despite playing away from home against a top half opposition side Newcastle were the dominant side and were clearly ahead in all areas when you look at the key stats (see below) regarding corners touches by players in the opposition penalty area The previous seven games (all competitions) had seen Newcastle United score 20 goals and on Sunday they fell short of that kind of goalscoring not making the most of so many very good situations Danny Murphy talking about Newcastle United after the 1-1 draw at Brighton “Eddie Howe said in one of his post-match interviews that their problem was they just weren’t clinical enough which is unusual with the quality forwards they have got was that bit of calmness and decision making in the final third Eddie Howe should be really pleased with the level of performance “They controlled the game for long periods and had a lot of joy down the left side “It is just about finding the right option.” View Author Profile Former top referee rules on these controversial Brighton v Newcastle incidents Magpies remain fourth ahead of crucial St James’ Park clash despite the two clubs now sharing an identical points tally and goal difference Sport | Football featuring team news and expert analysis from Malik Ouzia I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice The crowded race for a top-five finish in the Premier League looks set to go right down to the wire With Liverpool wrapping up the title with four games to spare and all three relegated teams confirmed weeks in advance a fierce battle for Champions League qualification next term is taking centre stage in the final weeks of a memorable season Normally it’s only the top-four finishers in the Premier League that book a position among Europe’s elite though fifth place will also be enough in this campaign thanks to Arsenal’s quarter-final first-leg win over Real Madrid that sealed England a top-two slot in UEFA's association club coefficient rankings and led to a coveted European Performance Spot (EPS) English football could still have as many as 10 representatives across the three European competitions next season depending on how things work out in the coming weeks and in the various continental finals and FA Cup showpiece at Wembley Aimee Lou Wood says she criticised SNL sketch to not ‘spiral inwardly’ Eberechi Eze on target again as Crystal Palace made to settle for a point Neville hails Chelsea star with Ronaldo comparison: 'In same sentence' How Give Your Best aims to solve clothing poverty in the UK It’s a truly fascinating battle with so many caveats not least the fact that Chelsea still have to play both Newcastle and Forest before the end of the season Newcastle left it late to claim a share of the spoils after a lively second half against Brighton with top scorer Alexander Isak netting an 89th-minute equaliser from the spot in a 1-1 draw after Yasin Ayari’s handball from a Fabian Schar free-kick having trailed to a first-half effort from ex-Toon player Yankuba Minteh and seen two other penalty awards overturned by VAR That was followed by arguably Chelsea’s biggest win of the season at home to a Liverpool side who made six changes with the title already clinched with Cole Palmer also stepping up with a last-gasp penalty after Jarell Quansah had fouled Moises Caicedo with seconds to go in stoppage time to finally end his long drought of 18 games without a goal across all competitions dating back to mid-January Enzo Fernandez had finished off a fine move to give Chelsea a third-minute lead with the earliest league goal netted at Stamford Bridge since 2017 before Virgil van Dijk’s late header from a cornet set up a nervy finish after his earlier clearance had bounced in for an own goal off the unfortunate Quansah A third straight win for the likely Conference League finalists brought Chelsea level on points with Newcastle after they dropped two at the Amex Stadium while a two-goal swing also saw them equal their rivals’ goal difference of +21 Newcastle remain ahead of Chelsea leading up to Sunday’s pivotal meeting on Tyneside due to the fact that they have scored more goals than their next opponents as things stand - 66 to 62 Overall goal difference and goals scored are the primary tiebreakers in that order in the Premier League if points are level It is worth noting that Forest’s goal difference is currently +12 so they would not have leapfrogged Chelsea or Newcastle if they won at Selhurst Park on Monday Nuno Espirito Santo’s surprise package have also scored far fewer than both of those rivals with 54 - one fewer than Aston Villa whose goal difference is worse still at +6 VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications from nationalities most likely to overstay New visa crackdown as Home Office plans to restrict applications Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reignited excitement among Newcastle United supporters making trips to St James’ Park something to look forward to again The Magpies’ owners have achieved this by making some outstanding signings We most recently ranked Newcastle’s PIF signings in January 2024 – check that out if you are intrigued by how much we have changed The bottom line is that this goes down as a £20million signing in the history books and paying £20m for a third-choice goalkeeper is beyond stupid READ MORE: PSR deals dominate list of five transfers with £80m of unaccounted value He did rack up 17 league appearances that year but only six came as a starter Injuries and falling further down the pecking order limited Targett to just three appearances last season and he has played a grand total of 19 minutes this campaign incidentally accumulated across two matches against his former side Villa Wood left Newcastle for Nottingham Forest a year after joining initially signing on loan before joining permanently for around £15m He struggled for a while but a hat-trick away to Newcastle seemed to spark something in him nobody knew was laying dormant This season, as we all know, the 33-year-old has been electric, scoring 19 goals in 31 appearances so far as Forest chase Champions League football Kelly joined from Bournemouth on a Bosman last summer but failed to impress before earning a bizarre move to Juventus in January That transfer should become permanent but nothing is guaranteed Newcastle will hope to pocket £20m and record that as some crucial pure profit to help fund a huge 2025 summer transfer window Howe’s side are relying on Juve qualifying for any European competition for the buy obligation to be triggered and if they fail to do so Newcastle reluctantly sold Minteh – signed from Odense Boldklub for £6m in June 2023 – to Brighton last summer for £30m as the club’s hierarchy feared a potential PSR breach This was a transfer that frustrated fans given Howe’s need for a new right-sided forward but Minteh has not been missed thanks to Jacob Murphy performing well above expectations this season He has been hot and cold for much of his Magpies career but Harvey Barnes has been in and out of the team – which believe it or not and understanding the tactics being deployed The ex-Leicester City winger has had his fair share of minutes this season and has capitalised, specifically since the turn of the year. He started the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool and has four goals and four assists in his last seven Premier League appearances £30m was a risk for a young player with a cruciate ligament tear on their injury report but the 22-year-old has recovered well from that and certainly has the potential to be the Geordies’ long-term starting right-back with Hall on the other side Pope might not be the most convincing with the ball at his feet but he is undoubtedly a very solid goalkeeper and has been crucial since the start of 2022/23 The fact Newcastle have looked fine without him in goal and were debatably better with Martin Dubravka has knocked Pope down a spot or two He really needs to overcome his fitness issues because Botman is a crucial player for Newcastle – if he can return to the level he was playing in 2022/23 The betting ban defined Sandro Tonali’s first season at Newcastle and led many to write him off but he’s been absolutely world-class this year Gordon has 22 goals and 23 assists in 102 appearances for Newcastle and has established himself as one of the best wingers in the country He needs Harvey Barnes to have a stinker soon to get back in the team READ MORE: Newcastle have a gem in Gordon and we have never been so wrong about a player Trippier was the first big name through the door under the new Saudi regime and he led by example from day one the Brazil international would walk into any starting XI in world football He wears his heart on his sleeve and his passion makes him the sort of player capable of endearing himself to any supporter Isak has 53 goals in 83 Premier League matches after scoring 33 in 105 La Liga matches for Real Sociedad He also netted some crucial goals en route to Carabao glory and is the one player in this Newcastle team we think is truly irreplaceable No matter how much the income from his potential exit can potentially help them in the long run it won’t be more beneficial than keeping him READ NOW: Ten Premier League stars at risk of being poached by Real Madrid in summer rebuild © Planet Sport Limited 2025 • All Rights Reserved Watch Teams Matches Tickets & Membership Shop St. James' Park The match will be broadcast in the UK on Sky Sports. Supporters in other countries can check their local broadcaster here Supporters can also listen to BBC Radio Newcastle commentary across newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App with a Newcastle United Account Our Match Centre will provide minute-by-minute updates Fans can also chose their Player of the Match at full-time Match updates will be provided across the club's social media accounts. Follow them here: X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Threads Highlights will be available on newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App two hours after the match A full match replay will be available the following day Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that Jan Paul van Hecke is available to start on Sunday having missed the Seagulls' previous match and Kaoru Mitoma are all ready to start having been unavailable in recent weeks Hurzeler said: "(he) joined [in training] yesterday so he will be also maybe be an option to be in the squad Everything is looking a little bit more positive." We will wear our away kit, featuring navy and burgundy hooped shirts, white shorts, and navy and burgundy socks. You can buy the away kit here. Brighton will wear their home kit, featuring blue and white striped shirts, blue shorts, and white socks. Map Image source, ReutersImage caption, Alexander Isak has scored 23 goals in the Premier League this season Alexander Isak earned a draw for Newcastle with a late penalty against Brighton at Amex Stadium. Brighton were on course for a narrow win as they led through Yankuba Minteh with stoppage time approaching. Newcastle had been awarded two penalties that were overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR) before being handed a third when Yasin Ayari used his arm to block Fabian Schar's free-kick. After a lengthy review, the on-field decision stood and Isak coolly converted to take his tally in the league to 23 goals for the season. A draw was fully deserved for Newcastle as they pushed and probed throughout the encounter on the south coast. Brighton mustered just three further shots after breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute as they struggled to find any rhythm. They did have a shout for a penalty of their own when Matt O'Riley appeared to have been caught by Sandro Tonali, but referee Craig Pawson waved away the appeals. Newcastle substitute Callum Wilson went close to snatching all three points in stoppage time when he forced Bart Verbruggen to make a fine save. The draw does no great favours to either side in their respective challenges for Europe, with Brighton staying 10th and Newcastle remaining fourth. Premier League: Brentford put four past Man Utd, Isak earns Newcastle draw Proud of Seagulls but have to focus on next match - Hurzeler Brighton felt euphoric last weekend after two late goals saw them come from behind to pick up a much-needed 3-2 victory against West Ham - ending a five-game winless streak. However, they did not appear to carry confidence from that result into this encounter and got a taste of their own medicine with Isak's late penalty denying them all three points. Minteh earlier showed great composure in a crowded box to craft space and curl cutely into the far corner to score for the sixth time this campaign, but it was against the run of play. The Gambia forward joined Brighton from Newcastle in a £30m deal last summer - after not making a single appearance for the Magpies. He was happy to celebrate in front of the travelling fans - pointing at his badge and then the floor. It took Brighton another 52 minutes to have their next shot as they were penned back by a Newcastle side desperate to take something from the game. Home boss Fabian Hurzeler turned to his bench but could not find the right formula to get Brighton up the field and eventually the pressure told. With three difficult remaining fixtures to come against Wolves, Liverpool and Tottenham, Brighton's hopes of qualifying for Europe are starting to look slim. Magpies not at clinical best in front of goal - Howe When a second on-field penalty decision was overturned with the help of VAR, Eddie Howe must have been thinking this was not going to be Newcastle's day. Both interventions from the VAR were correct, though, with the first incident rightly chalked off due to Tariq Lamptey's foul on Anthony Gordon having happened outside the 18-yard box, while the second saw Joe Willock awarded a yellow card for diving. It was third time lucky for the Carabao Cup winners, albeit after a lengthy VAR review, when Ayari clearly moved his arm towards the ball as Schar's free-kick was heading towards goal. Isak is exactly the man you want over a high-pressure penalty in the last minute and he did not miss a beat as he sent Verbruggen the wrong way. The Sweden striker has scored the most goals by a Newcastle player in a Premier League season since club legend Alan Shearer also hit 23 in 2001-02. Brighton could have had no qualms had Newcastle snatched all three points when Wilson unleashed a powerful shot in the sixth minute of additional time. The draw will leave Newcastle - who had won six of their past seven league outings - with mixed feelings, knowing that victory could have propelled them up to third but a loss would have left them with a huge target on their back. Newcastle face Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton in their final three games as they look to hold on to a top five spot, which would secure a return to the Champions League. After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 3Substituteshome team Brighton & Hove AlbionManager: Fabian Hürzeler Yellow Card at 90 minutes plus 3SubstitutesNumber 26 Wilson Match OfficialsReferee: Craig PawsonVideo Assistant Referee: Andy MadleyAssistant Referee 1: Timothy WoodAssistant Referee 2: Wade SmithFourth Official: Steve MartinAssistant VAR Official: Scott LedgerMatch StatsKey you need to enable JavaScript in your browser Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United AudioBrighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United 2:00:00Head to HeadSeason so farPremier League Scroll LeftScroll RightNewcastle are winless in all seven of their away Premier League games against Brighton (D4 L3) the joint-most they have visited an opponent in the competition without ever winning (also 7 v Watford & Wimbledon) It’s the outright most Brighton have faced a side without losing at home in the Premier League Brighton could complete their third league double over Newcastle after 1978-79 (second tier) and 2020-21 (Premier League) Brighton have already beaten Newcastle twice in all competitions this season 1-0 in the reverse Premier League fixture and 2-1 in the FA Cup fifth round The last side they won three games against in a single campaign were Wycombe Wanderers in 2009-10 while they have never beaten an opponent three times in a season as a top-flight side Brighton are one of two sides in the Premier League this season who’ve both scored and conceded 55+ goals (56 for each of their last 11 matches has seen at least three goals scored with 45 in total (4.1 per game) Newcastle United have won 19 Premier League matches this season and are looking to win 20 in a season for the first time since 2002-03 under Sir Bobby Robson (21) Eddie Howe would also become the first English manager since Frank Lampard with Chelsea in 2019-20 to win 20 Premier League games in a season no side has won more Premier League matches than Newcastle United (P19 W14 D0 L5) while champions Liverpool are the only teams to score more goals in that time (51) than the Magpies have (46) Brighton and Hove Albion have won four Premier League matches when they’ve trailed this season their most ever in a single campaign in the competition while the 17 points they’ve gained from losing positions is also their most in a season Newcastle United have won 27 Premier League matches by a margin of three or more goals the only side with more is Manchester City (38) while Howe has the most of these wins in Premier League history among Englishmen (38 – also 11 with Bournemouth) two more than the next best (Harry Redknapp Alexander Isak has scored 22 Premier League goals this season the most by a Newcastle player since Alan Shearer in 2003-04 (22) while Shearer was the last player with more (23 in 2001-02) Brighton are the only side he’s faced more than once without scoring against Kaoru Mitoma has scored in each of his last two Premier League appearances for Brighton the sixth time he’s scored in back-to-back games in the competition though he’s never scored in three in a row Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half Foul by Yasin Ayari (Brighton and Hove Albion) Lewis Dunk (Brighton and Hove Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half Callum Wilson (Newcastle United) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal Diego Gómez (Brighton and Hove Albion) header from the centre of the box misses to the left Assisted by Brajan Gruda with a cross following a set piece situation Pervis Estupiñán (Brighton and Hove Albion) wins a free kick on the left wing Danny Welbeck (Brighton and Hove Albion) is shown the yellow card Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United) wins a free kick on the left wing Foul by Joël Veltman (Brighton and Hove Albion) Fourth official has announced 9 minutes of added time Football writer Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 35 Brighton have beaten Newcastle twice already this season so the Seagulls are chasing an impressive hat-trick when hosting the Magpies this Sunday after the two away victories at St James' Park in the Premier League and FA Cup it would be the first time Brighton have ever defeated the same team three times in one season as a top-flight side Newcastle are in third place and desperate to stay inside the top five, while Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton believe they can still finish high enough to earn European football in 2025/26 No Premier League side has won more matches since 14 December than Newcastle who have out come on top in 14 of their last 19 games Yet their away form against top-half opponents is surprisingly poor A 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest is their only victory in eight matches so far against their fellow top-11 sides Newcastle have conceded 2.6 goals per game across those eight matches and this poor return will certainly provide ninth-placed Brighton with the belief that they can again cause Eddie Howe's side problems Slow starts have been a recurring theme for Newcastle on the road at the division’s toughest opponents they have fallen behind in all eight away matches when they have faced sides in the current top 11 seven of those early concessions came before the 22nd minute If Hurzeler’s Brighton start Sunday's match quickly they could catch their opponents cold once again There has been a sluggishness about the Magpies early on in away games and they have been ruthlessly punished for lapses in concentration Howe’s back four has become fragmented too easily by longer passes early on in games Manchester City undid them with real ease from an Ederson goal-kick, releasing Omar Marmoush to open the scoring (shown below) In Newcastle's chastening 4-2 defeat at Brentford, the hosts played out from a goal-kick, moving the ball into midfield, before a lofted, switched pass to Bryan Mbeumo caused panic in the Newcastle defence The Magpies lost their shape and left-back Lewis Hall became detached from the rest of the back four as Mbeumo went on to score (see below) The Seagulls are not averse to going direct with their distribution at the right times under Hurzeler This is a tactic we can expect to see them use on Sunday They enjoyed success in that manner in the 1-0 win at St James’ Park earlier on this season A quickly-taken Lewis Dunk free-kick pushed the Newcastle defence backwards, and Danny Welbeck’s subsequent one-two with Georginio Rutter unlocked the door Hurzeler has triumphed over the Magpies in two differing ways so his chosen approach for Matchweek 35 could be difficult to predict It was a resilient backs-to-the-wall defensive display that helped them secure a 1-0 victory in the Premier League last October They had just 40.1 per cent of possession, were pushed back at will, and were reliant on Newcastle missing chances, as well as Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen's outstanding display but as you can see from these match stats below Brighton's 2-1 extra-time win in the FA Cup was earned via a different strategic approach boasting a lot more possession than they had on their previous visit that seemed to suit them as they racked up 21 shots and 45 touches inside the Newcastle box Brighton were able to find more spaces to run into This suited Yankuba Minteh, who sprinted in beyond Newcastle's exposed high line to latch onto Joao Pedro’s through-ball and score against his former club Howe’s defence was also caught square and looked rather disjointed as Welbeck scored the winning goal The striker's movement to show for a Solly March pass was excellent, but with Tino Livramento playing him onside from right-back it was not a goal the Newcastle head coach would have been pleased about The Seagulls have plenty of pace in the wide areas as well as good movement in the centre-forward positions Having used those qualities to great effect in those previous meetings Brighton will be well aware that all three goals scored against the EFL Cup winners came via forward passes that pierced a square back four The space that style creates will suit Brighton's quick forwards even if making it an open attack-minded game comes with plenty of risk against a team as free-scoring as Newcastle It is a ploy Hurzeler may well turn to again at the AMEX Stadium as Brighton look to complete a famous treble Adrian Clarke analyses how Englishman's return to Craven Cottage has delivered his best form for years Adrian Clarke looks at how Arne Slot's light-touch approach led to top-flight glory at Anfield Adrian Clarke analyses Brentford's strike partnership ahead of their match against Nottingham Forest Michael Owen and Steve Cooper discuss the top-five race and who they think will be in the competition next season Your entry has been submitted successfully Please check your email for further information while others help us to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used For more information visit our Cookie Policy(Opens in a new window)External Link Icon MyAccount and some online forms may be unavailable on Tuesday 7 May 2025 Two seats have been won by the Conservative Party and Reform UK in a double by-election for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council which had been held by a Conservative and Labour councillor respectively the Conservative Party now has 25 seats and Labour has 17 As well as the council’s first Reform UK member The Loggerheads ward was won by Andrew Turnock with a majority of 542 the Knutton ward was won by Lynn Dean with a majority of 158 over the nearest opponent Full details of the results are available here. The next full election for the Borough Council takes place in 2026 © 2025 Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Newcastle secured a point at Brighton as they look to secure Champions League football while Brentford and Manchester United played out a classic The final report is in, and it comes in courtesy of Jonathan Wilson from the Amex. Updated at 17.05 CEST2d ago16.59 CEST“Did autofill substitute ‘supposed’ for ‘surprise’, or is this some British irony I don’t get as a dumb Midwesterner?” writes Joe Pearson. It was a weird game that never seemed like being particularly thrilling. Large parts were pedestrian. But who can complain about seven goals? 2d ago16.58 CESTFull time: Brighton 1-1 NewcastleNote a bad point overall for Newcastle but with Champions League football on the line, the two dropped could prove key. Updated at 17.07 CEST2d ago16.56 CESTFull time! Brentford 4-3 Manchester UnitedThe Bees with a supposed seven-goal thriller. 2d ago16.55 CESTBrentford 4-3 Manchester United: Bayindir produces a fine save to stop Wissa from sealing the win. 2d ago16.54 CESTFull time! West Ham 1-1 TottenhamThe points are shared. 2d ago16.54 CESTBrighton 1-1 Newcastle: WHAT A SAVE! Wilson ping a shot from eight yards and Verbruggen tips it over. 2d ago16.54 CESTGOAL Brentford 4-3 Manchester United (Diallo 90+4)GAME ON 2d ago16.51 CESTBrighton 1-1 Newcastle: Veltman cleans out Gordon on the left wing to give Newcastle a free-kick in a dangerous position. It comes to nothing. 2d ago16.49 CESTBrentford 4-2 Manchester United: SEVEN ADDED ON! (THIS MATTERS LESS) 2d ago16.49 CESTBrighton 1-1 Newcastle: NINE MINUTES ADDED ON! Updated at 16.50 CEST2d ago16.47 CESTGOAL! Brighton 1-1 Newcastle (Isak, pen, 89)Isak steps up … and sends the keeper the wrong way. Then fights Verbruggen to get the ball back. 2d ago16.46 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: A long look … AND A PENALTY IS GIVEN! Third time lucky for Newcastle. 2d ago16.45 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: VAR is having a look … 2d ago16.45 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: PENALTY The visitors have a free-kick in a very dangerous position on the edge of the box … Schar lines it up it breaks through the wall off Ayari’s arm 2d ago16.41 CESTGOAL Brentford 4-2 Manchester United (Garnacho 81)The Argentinian produces a stunner into the top corner plays a one-two with Eriksen and whips it into the top corner 2d ago16.38 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: O’Reilly is penalised for a foul on Tonali in the Newcastle box. 2d ago16.38 CESTWest Ham 1-1 Tottenham: Paqueta is booked for trip the young lad Moore. 2d ago16.35 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: “I loathe VAR, but at least it’s doing its job today,” says Paul (a bitter Boro fan). “Two dodgy penalties to Newcastle? Sounds about right. I’ve long thought St. James Park is the Bermuda Triangle of football. A place where normal laws of football apply only to the away team.” 2d ago16.35 CESTGOAL Brentford 4-1 Manchester United (Wissa 74)Jensen slips a pass through to Kayode who crosses for Wissa to tap home from close range There is a check for offside … and it is eventually given 2d ago16.32 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: Wilson is being prepared for Newcastle. 2d ago16.31 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: NO PENALTY Fair play to Pawson for admitting a second error A decent effort by Willock but not good enough Brentford 3-1 Manchester United (Schade 70)Mbeumo crosses and Schade does the rest 2d ago16.27 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: Ayari and Veltman on for Brighton, Hinshelwood and Adringa off. 2d ago16.26 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: Barnes beats the defender, gets to the byline and pulls the ball back to Isak who does what he can, sending a backheel towards goal but Verbruggen deals with it. 2d ago16.24 CESTWest Ham 1-1 Tottenham: All quite end of season on the other side of London, where Spurs win their first corner of the matchin the 61st minute. 2d ago16.23 CESTBrentford 2-1 Manchester United: Jensen is preparing to come on for the Bees. 2d ago16.23 CESTBrentford 2-1 Manchester United: It is all quite slow in west London. Are both teams very tired? 2d ago16.22 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: Barnes is on the right now and cuts in to fire a shot with his left but it’s straight at the keeper. 2d ago16.17 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: OVERTURNED 2d ago16.16 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: PENALTY? Lamptey kicks Gordon just outside the box but a penalty is given. Will it be overturned? 2d ago16.15 CESTBrentford 2-1 Manchester United: Former Bees man Eriksen is brought on for Mount. 2d ago16.14 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: That is the final action for Murphy, who is replaced by Gordon. 2d ago16.13 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: Murphy takes aim from 20 yards but his shot is very wayward. 2d ago16.12 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: Wieffer is replaced by Lamptey. No point in taking the risk with him as Brighton do not want to go down to 10. 2d ago16.10 CESTBrentford 2-1 Manchester United: Garnacho is booked for moaning about being penalised for a soft foul. 2d ago16.10 CESTBrighton 1-0 Newcastle: Wieffer slides in on Tonali He is on a booking but Pawson does not think it is worthy of a second United to the Amex Stadium just over a week on from their 3-0 home win over Ipswich Town, with head coach Howe opting to stick with the same starting 11 that eased past the Tractor Boys for their trip to the South Coast. Nick Pope is in goal, with Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Tino Livramento at the back. Joe Willock again deputises for the injured Joelinton in midfield, with Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno Guimarães alongside him. And Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes will again look to provide support from the flanks for centre forward Alexander Isak. The only change on the bench sees young forward Sean Neave replace John Ruddy, with Martin Dúbravka, Emil Krafth and Sven Botman all named. Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff are the midfield reinforcements, with Anthony Gordon, Will Osula and Callum Wilson also on the bench. Newcastle United: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento; Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock; Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Harvey Barnes. Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Emil Krafth, Sven Botman, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley, Anthony Gordon, Will Osula, Callum Wilson, Sean Neave. Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium have become a tough nut to crack for Newcastle United And so it proved again this weekend in our most recent encounter After a composed start United then fell into pedestrian mode and there was a distinct lack of urgency in our play We were duly punished by a Yankuba Minteh strike and this seemed to be the belated wake up call that was required I figured that we would come out much more positively for the second period and thankfully this proved to be the case What must be acknowledged is that Bruno and his sidekick the Italian Stallion weren’t really at the races on Sunday I also thought that our talisman Ice Cold Alex could have given Claude Rains a good run for his money as the ‘Invisible Man’ Dan Burn continues to look the part in what has proved to be an immense season for the Big Lad from Blyth I also thought Harvey Barnes put a solid afternoon’s graft in It would have been criminal if United hadn’t got anything from this game and an equaliser from the penalty spot arrived not before time Our Rolls Royce Alex was never going to throw away such a late lifeline and his penalty was coolly dispatched There was eventually over ten minutes of injury time played and in the end I was glad to hear the final whistle Taking everything into account this could turn out to be a very valuable point in a couple of weeks time I never expected any favours from Liverpool against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and the tone was set for that game in the first few minutes when the Blues cut through the scousers defence with Enzo Fernandez neatly tucking the ball away I’ve always been a believer that we should do things off our own backs Remember Salford last season against Man City in the FA Cup Final for instance That little upset at the time cost us a place in Europe and my motto anyway has always been to never rely on anybody else…because they usually let you down I thought whilst watching the game that Liverpool just didn’t want to know or be involved That was disappointing after Chelsea had given them a respectful guard of honour when the teams entered the pitch before kick off So we are now neck and neck with Chelsea and they are our visitors next week and I’ll honestly reiterate right now what I think about them I believe as a team they are a band of mercenaries not always up to digging down hard enough in the trenches when the going gets tough Their owners have been getting away with taking all kinds of liberties these last few years (***Having done the same for a couple of decades as well under Abramovich) and that’s because Chelsea are a protected species being one of the Cartel is that these West End boys don’t like coming ‘Norf’ to Newcastle and St James’ Park That’s because we usually stick it up them and I believe that will probably be the case again Sunday’s game has a 12pm kick off that doesn’t really allow much time for pre-match refreshment and rehydration for the fans Nevertheless I expect our supporters to be right up for this game turn Gallowgate into an intimidating cauldron of passion and noise This bunch of prima donnas and their self-entitled fans won’t know what’s hit them if we are all in this together Eddie’s team haven’t been firing on all cylinders recently and I reckon there was words said at half-time against Brighton Newcastle United have to take this game by the scruff of the neck in a composed manner It has been frustrating to see the ball being turned over to the opposition through our own sloppiness in recent games The onus cannot always be on Alexander Isak but we do need our super Swede to step it up an extra percent. He should be well capable of keeping Chelsea’s defence occupied Gordon or Murphy to exploit any holes or weaknesses I’ve a feeling that Lewis Miley may be utilised alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno for this game This would keep things compact in the middle and give us a physical advantage Without taking things too far and being over dramatic maybe it’s also time for someone apart from Big Dan to rally the troops in the dressing room with a rousing sentiment or piece of poetic camaraderie appropriate for such an occasion There are of course still three Premier League games left to play for Newcastle United. Beating Chelsea first and foremost will send out the biggest single statement of intent since we beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final back in March View Author Profile Arsenal could also be dragged into the mix The race for Champions League football next season continues to be too tough to call after another pivotal set of results in the Premier League Ahead of Nottingham Forest’s trip to Crystal Palace on Monday night, Chelsea, Manchester City and Aston Villa all recorded important wins... but Newcastle again dropped points In an interesting turn of events, Arsenal’s home defeat to Bournemouth means they are also not yet guaranteed a top-five finish needing five more points from their final three games With that in mind, here is the state of the race to finish in the top five... According to Opta, Manchester City now have a 97.69 per cent chance of finishing in the top five. Four wins of the spin, including a victory over Villa, plus the easiest run-in, on paper, of their rivals means Pep Guardiola & Co. appear set to return to Europe’s top table. The same cannot be said of Nottingham Forest, who have lost three of their last four games. Opta gave them a whopping 80% of securing a first-ever qualification for the Champions League, since its rebrand over 30 years ago, but their chances are now almost halved to 44.32% Newcastle United appear to have benefited most from Forest’s slump. Despite being thumped 4-1 by Aston Villa and then scrapping a 1-1 draw at Brighton, thanks to Alexander Isak’s late penalty, Newcastle still have a 77.89% chance of finishing in the top five. Palmer ends long goal drought as Chelsea beat champions Liverpool Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League latest score and updates Potter explains why Paqueta burst into tears when shown a yellow card Chelsea have impressed the most during the run-in. Handed the toughest run-in, a last-gap win over Fulham was followed by a narrow victory over Everton, and on Sunday they beat champions Liverpool. Those three wins have been the Blues’ chances climb from 29.73% to 66.52%. Aston Villa have the weakest shot, sitting at 13.69%. VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Lady Victoria Starmer The highly-rated 20-year-old, who joined the Magpies from A-League side Central Coast Mariners in January 2023, recorded two goals and two assists in as many league matches at second-string level. The Australia international, who represented his country at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, netted a brace in the young Magpies' 7-1 thrashing of Reading at St. James' Park before registering two second-half assists against their Royals counterparts. Kuol, who spent the duration of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Dutch outfit FC Volendam, has netted eight goals in all competitions for United's second-string, returning to action in January after suffering a quad injury during pre-season. Nominated alongside Kuol are West Ham United pair, Lewis Orford and Kamarai Sawyer as well as Braiden Graham of Everton, Chelsea's Donnell McNeilly, Divin Mubama of Manchester City, Southampton's Lewis Payne and Jack Thompson of Nottingham Forest. The winner, also chosen by the Premier League Football Development panel, will be announced later this week. Fabian Hurzeler watched on as his team picked up a point against Newcastle United It may have taken a late Alexander Isak for NUFC to get parity Fabian Hurzeler will know that his team were fortunate to avoid defeat The Brighton boss admitting that his players weren’t in control of the game and you only need to look at all the key match stats to see that Newcastle United were the better and more dominant team Fabian Hurzeler reflecting on Brighton 1 Newcastle 1: “I am proud of the team for sticking together but it was not our perfect match in possession “We have to accept it and try to make the best out of it “It’s a little bit mixed feelings we have to accept the draw and try to see the positive things because there were a lot “It’s not easy to get the control against Newcastle “We were not always able to control the game because of Newcastle’s intensity.” View Author Profile Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today! Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Expected Goals is widely agreed to be the best way of measuring how well Premier League clubs play in any particular game To get a better look at how sides are doing the Expected Goals (xG) metric allows you to get a better picture of just how teams are performing Expected goals (xG) is a statistic used to work out how many goals should be scored in a match With every single shot awarded an xG value based on the difficulty of the attempt type of shot and number of defenders present affecting the value the more likely a goal should be scored from that shot The xG value of every shot in a game is then used to calculate the expected goals in a particular match So rather than just the usual basic statistics of how many shots each team has Expected Goals factors in where shots were taken from and how good a chance was and whether defenders in the way etc These are the four Premier League matches from Sunday, with the Expected Goals stats (plus the actual final scoreline in brackets) via Understat: Brighton 0.69 v Newcastle United 1.64 (1-1) both in terms of their eventual outcomes and the Expected Goals stats Both Brentford and Chelsea very dominant with their Expected Goals stats compared to Man U and Liverpool respectively Man U very lucky to lose by only a one goal margin with Brentford creating far more and better chances than the visitors they were given a massive helping hand as Arne Slot put his reserves out resting six first choice outfield players who had secured the title against Tottenham the previous weekend West Ham and Spurs playing out a tight 1-1 draw their Expected Goals stats very similar (1.15 v 0.85) but when you see their superiority on the Expected Goals stat (1.64 compared to 0.69 for Brighton) quite clearly United creating more and better chances and NUFC should have won this these absolutely back up what the Expected Goals stats point to Newcastle with more possession (54% v 46%) than Brighton more corners (4 v 1) and more touches in the opposition box (32 v 17) Assuming Arsenal and Manchester City will join Premier League champions Liverpool in the Champions League next season, Newcastle United are one of four teams going for the final two spots Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are also in the hunt as Eddie Howe’s side look to secure a top five finish in the Premier League table Newcastle saw both Villa and Chelsea win over the course of the weekend After another dramatic weekend in the Champions League battle, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville gave his prediction Neville thinks the Champions League race is “sad” suggesting the fact that clubs like Newcastle are so “desperate” for the revenue it brings is a poor reflection on the modern game Speaking after Chelsea’s win over Liverpool on Sunday Neville reiterated those comments but still backed Howe’s side to reach Europe’s elite club competition once again “I think [Man] City will get in the Champions League and I think now Newcastle will,” he said on The Gary Neville Podcast “Because of what’s happened with PSR and the financial stuff in the last few years where so many teams – big clubs – like [Manchester] United “Of sort of breaking the rules and overspending It really does hamper them and harm them when they don’t get in the Champions League so you’re going to have some nervous boardrooms in the next few weeks.” it’s really big and I’m not quite sure it’s right that football is like that the title is sorted and we’ve got what would be games for money.”  A win would have been ideal of course but heading to the Amex Stadium has not been easy for Newcastle over the years Battling back from behind was a strong show of character Seven points from their final three games will be enough to ensure a top five finish Two of those – with one against Chelsea no less – come at home Seven points from the last 3 games guarantees Newcastle top five. The point today was huge in terms of keeping it in their hands. https://t.co/rxepL7kaJR Newcastle could earn £17million by qualifying for the Champions League while also strengthening their hand in terms of keeping their best players and attracting potential transfer targets this summer Chelsea boosted their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 victory over champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge ending a four-month goal drought when netting a 96th-minute penalty Chelsea remain fifth but now have a three-point cushion over sixth-place Nottingham Forest, who play Crystal Palace on Monday Chelsea are also level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle United whom they play at St James' Park next weekend The Blues opened the scoring after just three minutes. Palmer led a swift counter before finding Pedro Neto whose low cross was neatly controlled and finished by Fernandez Liverpool looked to respond, with Cody Gakpo calling Robert Sanchez into action from a tight angle while Neto hit the side-netting at the other end Chelsea thought they had doubled their lead just before half-time when Noni Madueke rounded Alisson and slotted home. However, the joy was short-lived with Nicolas Jackson penalised for offside during the build-up The hosts did get their second goal in fortuitous circumstances 11 minutes after the restart as Van Dijk’s attempted clearance from a Palmer cross ricocheted off Quansah and back into the net Palmer struck a post from a tight angle, before Liverpool’s late pressure at the other end eventually culminated in Van Dijk powering home from Alexis Mac Allister’s corner But Liverpool's hopes of averting only their third league defeat of the season faded deep into stoppage time, when Palmer slotted home from the spot after Quansah felled Moises Caicedo Seeking a third straight Premier League win, Enzo Maresca named an unchanged starting XI for the first time since November, against Manchester United After giving the new champions a "Guard of Honour", the Blues’ confidence was evident as they were quick out of the blocks and soon ahead through Fernandez. Timed at two minutes and 47 seconds, it was their earliest league goal since Antonio Rudiger netted just 14 seconds earlier against Stoke City in December 2017 they eventually gained breathing space through Quansah’s own goal The hosts’ concentration levels were tested as Liverpool increased the pressure in search for a way back into the game Chelsea never really looked like surrendering it and put the contest to bed with virtually the last kick of the game as Palmer capped a fine individual performance by ending his 18-match goal drought Attention now turns to the second leg of the Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden, before their Champions League qualification quest resumes at St James’ Park against top-five rivals Newcastle United Fresh from securing their second Premier League title last weekend, Arne Slot’s much-changed side received a guard of honour as they made their way onto the Stamford Bridge turf We explain history behind the guard of honour as the 2024/25 title-winners receive one at Stamford Bridge There were six alterations in all and the Reds were slow to settle with Chelsea punishing them by striking inside just three minutes Liverpool struggled to generate a decent attacking threat over the remainder of the first half Slot’s side were much-improved after falling 2-0 behind, with Van Dijk and Darwin Nunez off target from headers Their pressure eventually told when Van Dijk made no mistake five minutes from time it was too late to avert a third defeat in four visits to London A disappointing afternoon for Quansah continued when he caught Caicedo late allowing Palmer to seal the points for the hosts Slot will be eager for his side to finish the season with improvement, starting next weekend against second-place Arsenal at Anfield Chelsea report | Liverpool report Enzo Maresca: "Very important three points playing the way we want and they forced us to use a different plan Chelsea has to fight for Champions League and hopefully in the future we can fight for something more important In this moment we are there and hopefully we can finish there." Arne Slot: "For many things I didn't see a drop off we could see why we have won this league - we brought the ball out from the back really well We came back after being 2-0 down and we didn't give up In some moments a few percentages were not there." Liverpool are only the fourth team to lose their first league match after they were crowned Premier League champions after Arsenal in 1997/98 (vs Liverpool) Chelsea in 2005/06 (vs Blackburn) and the Reds themselves in 2019/20 (vs Manchester City) Chelsea recorded a victory over Liverpool for the first time since March 2021 ending a run of 10 matches without a win against the Reds in all competitions (D7 L3) Only John Terry (19) and Dion Dublin (14) have scored more headed goals from corners in Premier League history than Van Dijk (13) The Liverpool captain is the top scoring defender in the competition since his first full season with the Reds in 2018/19 (21) Palmer ended a run of 1,162 minutes without a goal in the Premier League – he had the most shots (5) made the joint-most passes ending in the final third (13) and had the joint-most touches in the opposition box (8) of any Chelsea player in today’s win over Liverpool Newcastle United have drawn a Premier League fixture that fact alone warrants (moderate) celebration What in isolation appears to have been their least remarkable result of 2025 so far (in a positive or negative sense) could actually prove to be among the most consequential Especially so given Chelsea’s victory over Liverpool later the same afternoon Without the point Newcastle secured on Sunday they would have slipped from fourth to below Chelsea who they are now above on goals scored alone “Losing the game would have dented us,” Howe said in his post-match press conference “You look at the league table — not that I’m a great believer in doing that but sometimes you just have a little look at it — and we look stronger for the point than we would have done without it.” The Briefing: Brighton 1 Newcastle 1 - Isak's late leveller The manner of Newcastle’s comeback made this draw even more important Newcastle had fallen behind in the 28th minute to a goal from their former player-who-never-actually-played-for-them Yankuba Minteh had been awarded two second-half penalties by the on-field referee only to see both correctly overturned by VAR and had generally struggled in the final third with Alexander Isak touching the ball just once in the opposition box inside the opening 88 minutes Yet rather than succumb to a second successive away defeat following the 4-1 capitulation at Aston Villa last month Fabian Schar whipped a free kick from inside the Brighton D towards goal and Yasin Ayari instinctively stuck out his arm to block it despite the VAR officials taking several minutes to determine that the ball had actually struck Ayari’s arm this time a penalty award for Newcastle was not rescinded Isak — having been starved of service and having twice psyched himself up to take spot kicks only to have those opportunities to score taken from him — stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty in the 89th minute with only his second touch inside the opposition box There were even opportunities to claim what had appeared an unlikely victory but there can be tangible long-term value in ensuring you do not lose it despite their greatly improved away form this season which has featured eight victories on the road do not tend to recover against top-half sides on their travels once they fall behind Across their nine away matches against top-10 teams this season (they are yet to travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal) Newcastle have conceded the first goal on every occasion If that stat in itself is quite concerning it is even more alarming when you consider seven of those goals have come inside the opening 21 minutes Newcastle lost six and drew just one (1-1 at Bournemouth in August) of the first eight of those Their solitary victory came at Nottingham Forest in November when Newcastle delivered an excellent second-half display to overturn their one-goal deficit They went on to lose all four by a combined scoreline of 14-3 Had they continued that trend and been defeated at the Amex then another away defeat may have proven disastrous such a reversal could have been damaging to their Champions League qualification chances given how congested the top-five race has become a point could be really important,” Howe said we probably haven’t dug out enough points in games that are in the balance really (that we haven’t drawn since December).” Newcastle’s lack of a Premier League draw for precisely five months is actually they also won 14 of the 20 top-flight matches they played the most victories in the division across that time But it also marked the longest run of games in Newcastle’s Premier League history in which they did not record a single draw Only 11 Premier League teams have ever gone longer without sharing the points This curious stat demonstrates that Newcastle had become an all-or-nothing team regularly blowing their opponents away in the process as evidenced by the Villa reversal and the 4-1 home defeat against Bournemouth but somehow they managed to scrap their way to a point so you’ve got to be careful what you wish for,” said Howe “We want to win games and we’ll attack and try to do that you’ve got to make sure you don’t lose the game I’m really pleased to come here and come back from a goal down The Amex may remain a bogey stadium for Newcastle — they have visited Brighton’s ground eight times in the Premier League and never returned with a victory the most occasions they have travelled to an away ground in the competition without winning — but it may also prove to be the site of a season-defining fightback And that genuinely is a significant statement (Top photo: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images) No parade will snake through adoring crowds in the centre of the city No joyous tears will be shed or speeches delivered But in a season when Newcastle United have finally ended their long wait for a trophy The possibility represents a half-achievement for Eddie Howe and his team which is all the more impressive given the headwinds they have faced Might the Premier League title be the next bit of silverware in Newcastle’s sights It has been on the bigger-picture agenda at St James’ Park since the club’s Saudi-led takeover in October 2021 stated that the plan was to be competing for all the big prizes within five to 10 years it is not an unrealistic question to ponder now Newcastle have won 20 of their past 26 matches an unparalleled run of form (contained within a single season) in their existence as a Premier League club they are better than they have ever been and better than their rivals Newcastle have not been playing in the Champions League games which are extremely difficult to win Howe has had more time to work with a tight squad that has not been stretched unlike a year ago when their return to Europe coincided with a dreadful list of injuries And victory is not the only metric that matters Newcastle have not drawn a game since sharing six goals with Liverpool on December 4 an anomalous statistic that skews the overall landscape they lose – and often lose badly – either in the sense of who they’re playing or the circumstances: 4-1 at home to Bournemouth Liverpool have lost twice in the Premier League this season and only once since mid-September a level of consistency that lifts them above the rest of the division and 15 points clear of Arsenal Draws are important because they keep your points tally ticking over mid-season numbers are ultimately meaningless Newcastle have won 14 of their past 19 fixtures both Newcastle and Liverpool (who have played a game more) with no other team winning more than 11 times Liverpool have picked up 47 points compared to Newcastle’s 42 in this segment of the season but that is still more than any other club which means it is more than fair to describe this as title-challenging form Newcastle’s consistency stretches further back given that only Arne Slot’s side have won more league matches overall In the landscape of the club’s modern existence Howe has led his team to desperately unfamiliar territory Newcastle also won 14 of their opening 19 matches in 1995-96 a run that left them 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League was the season they finished second after being overhauled by a metronomic Manchester United (or letting it slip under the charismatic management of Sir Bobby Robson a season in which they were in a three-way title race with Manchester United and Arsenal In both of their most recent single-season stints in the Championship they had comparable runs and although the qualification here is considerable and necessary — it was a division below — Newcastle twice won the league it has left them third in the table and pushing for the Champions League again If they end the season still winning matches it would only be natural for them to be in the conversation about the title next time around It is difficult to imagine Manchester City struggling so badly again For Newcastle to trade blows — or to continue to trade blows — with those clubs there are some fairly big hurdles to overcome Howe repeatedly refers to the “small” size of his squad which is less a reference to numbers than its shallow quality And perhaps the life-cycle of this particular brilliant team whose triumph in the Carabao Cup final earned a first domestic trophy for 70 years Connected to both of those things: Newcastle have not signed a first-team-ready player for three consecutive transfer windows Liverpool have not added to the squad Slot inherited from Jurgen Klopp last summer but that comparison is not equal given their higher base and greater depth Newcastle have had much-publicised issues with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) An unknown quantity is what might happen if other clubs attempt to poach Newcastle’s truly game-changing players It was only in February that Howe spoke in stark terms about the challenge in front of Newcastle following a rare visit to Tyneside by Yasir Al-Rumayyan the club’s chairman and governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) “If we’re going to catch the teams above us we’re going to need to drastically improve everything that we’re delivering,” Howe told reporters “And that goes right across the board in every department of the football club because we have so much to do to get to the top “It’s not going to happen just by thinking it “I think just purely in terms of investment and taking the team forward but it’s through no one’s fault and we have to live in the world of reality We know that we want to take the team forward again we have ideas to do it and hopefully we can make that happen in the future It may take a bit of time because these clubs we’re talking about are way ahead of us.” Whether that timeline can change or has changed is uncertain and the point of this article is actually not to exert pressure or to acclaim Newcastle as future champions but rather to recognise and celebrate an extraordinary moment in their history It also feels slightly strange; in some ways this does not feel like a wholly transformational season in part because of those heavy defeats mentioned above in part because of its early inconsistency and in part because of the uncertainty they carried into it Howe’s success in this area is truly remarkable Retreat 11 months and Newcastle were scrambling to hit their PSR target and contemplating a 10-point deduction in the Premier League the ramifications of which lingered with them Paul Mitchell arrived as sporting director with Howe given no notice and it felt as though a club that had revelled in its own unity post-takeover was unravelling After their 4-2 defeat at Brentford on December 7 Newcastle were 12th in the table and wobbling there was some noise about Howe’s position and there were a series of one-to-one meetings between head coach and players and what is now regarded as a crucial reset at the training ground Newcastle allowed Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly to leave their use of data and performance metrics developing but with no help in terms of playing reinforcements a sharp improvement that survived his own absence from the touchline for three matches as he recovered from pneumonia Perhaps his illness was symbolic given that so much of what surrounded it was so difficult and such hard work the man who changed everything for a club that tried and failed The past five months — to repeat: half a season but enough time to be more than fluke — have shown that it is within his capabilities to change things again winning the title was framed as “the impossible dream” George Caulkin has been reporting on football in the North East of England since 1994, 21 of those years for The Times. There have been a few ups, a multitude of downs and precisely one meaningful trophy. Follow George on Twitter @GeorgeCaulkin Mail back pageEnd of image galleryPublished1 May 2025Newcastle are interested in Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo but could be deterred by his price tag while the Magpies will also not enter a summer-long pursuit of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen Manchester United consider a move for Jonathan Tah Newcastle are interested in Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, 25, but are concerned by his £60m price tag. (Telegraph - subscription required), external Newcastle will also not enter a summer-long pursuit of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, 20, after learning from last year's failed attempts to sign 24-year-old England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. (i paper), external Manchester United are considering a move for Germany centre-back Jonathan Tah, 29, in the summer after his contract expires at Bayer Leverkusen. (Sky Sports), external Arsenal could face a battle with Paris St-Germain to sign Roma's 25-year-old Ivory Coast defender Evan Ndicka, who is valued between £25-34m. (Mirror), external Chelsea are not looking to offload their record £107m signing, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 24, who is a long-term target for Real Madrid. (Sky Sports), external Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old French forward Enzo Kana-Biyik from Le Havre. (Fabrizio Romano), external Bayer Leverkusen want to prevent their Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from joining Bayern Munich this summer, with Manchester City and Real Madrid also interested in the 21-year-old. (Sky Germany - in German), external Real Madrid are happy for Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, 26, to leave the club this season, with Chelsea's 30-year-old Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga, currently on loan at Bournemouth, being considered as a replacement. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external Aston Villa are considering a move for Belgium midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 33, who will leave Manchester City at the end of the season. (Football Insider), external Crystal Palace would want more than £80m if they are to sell England midfielder Adam Wharton, 21, this summer. (Teamtalk), external Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Rodrygo considering Real Madrid exit - Thursday's gossip Get the latest from your club Top storiesLive Watch Arsenal in Champions League training before crucial semi-final with PSG - latest Stunning stats and 'Ronaldo behaviour' - is Yamal cut out to rival Messi Real seek to sign Alexander-Arnold for Club World Cup The final series of Man Like Mobeen has arrived John Simm stars in the provocative 90s drama Warm-hearted comedy with Ben Miller and Sally Phillips Follow two ambitious river restoration projects Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week Is the risk that Mercedes took with Antonelli paying off Trailblazer Zhao set to take snooker to 'another level' in China 'Calamity keeper' or 'human wall' - which Donnarumma will Arsenal face Zhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights VideoZhao beats Williams in historic final - highlights Alexander-Arnold leaves as modern Liverpool great - but fans will feel hurt 'Scheffler and DeChambeau wins further raise US PGA excitement levels' Match-fixing scandal to Crucible champion - fall and rise of Zhao 'We need to take a look at ourselves' - Arsenal stalling at wrong time Europa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney VideoEuropa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney Ask Me Anything the new BBC Sport service designed to serve you Bayern's 'James Bond' - how Kane clinched his first trophy Nine bolters with a shot of making the Lions squad How 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool VideoHow 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool Solskjaer on Besiktas Saints 'punch' favourites Leinster in game for the ages VideoVardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer Poppy's tears Elton John & Happy Gilmore - McIlroy on Jimmy Fallon show In the context of Newcastle United’s rather dreadful record at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League era, it was not a bad result – particularly after falling behind to Yankuba Minteh’s strike However, the battle for Champions League qualification is fierce and the congested nature of the Premier League table affords little margin for error Speaking after the game, defender Dan Burn revealed another disappointment While Minteh never actually played a first-team game for Newcastle The 20-year-old was on the club’s books after all so Burn was disappointed the Brighton man was allowed to cut inside onto his favoured left foot before shooting at goal Livramento was criticised for his defending against Minteh although Sandro Tonali hardly covered himself in glory either and there did appear to be a slight deflection off Burn Speaking to Newcastle United’s official media channel sort of letting Minteh come in on his left foot knowing that that’s what he was wanting to do.”  "We're disappointed that we couldn't take more." Dan Burn on today's point on the south coast. pic.twitter.com/huHDE8Qrzd Minteh does not hold any grudges against Newcastle for selling him so the sight of his fairly wild celebration on Sunday was somewhat strange Having refused to celebrate after scoring against Howe’s side at St James’ Park in March the fact the forward first appeared to do something similar before wildly wagging his finger and pointing at both the Amex pitch and the Brighton badge confused people Yankuba Minteh opens the scoring for Brighton! pic.twitter.com/WuLoX8eACP However, when speaking after the game, Minteh said (via The Chronicle): “It’s a nice celebration because they were my former team before but now I’m in Brighton and that’s where my focus is So I try to celebrate for them and make them happy.”  “Keeping our composure and making sure our performance wasn’t affected by the outcomes [of the VAR decisions] was key,” said the Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who acknowledged the VAR was right to rule out the first two penalties. “If you look at the season as a whole we probably haven’t dug out enough points from games that are in the balance. Read more“Today was a really battling performance We were pretty good apart from around the box – but the majority of the performance I was really pleased.” Arsenal’s defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday had opened up another possibility; if Newcastle won their final four games of the season they would finish second for the first time since 1996-97 Perhaps that added a layer of pressure: for a long time this didn’t look like a side that had won seven of its previous eight games in all competitions never mind the second-best side in the country But then that’s very much the nature of the Premier League this season: Brighton didn’t look much like a side that had only won one of their previous seven The truth is that there really isn’t a huge amount separating the teams from second down to mid-table meaning small fluctuations of form can have a profound impact Newcastle have now beaten Brighton only twice in 18 games and they have never won in the Premier League at the Amex But they remain in the Champions League places and others in the race are also stuttering as they approach the finish line “All you can ask for is that it’s in your hands and you know what you have to do,” said Howe “We’ve three really difficult games but they’re games to relish.” Brighton have their own European aspirations They lie 10th but just a point off the eighth place that if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final will probably bring Uefa Conference League qualification A scratchy first half was all about the battle between Dan Burn and Yankuba Minteh Burn had the better of their first two match-ups after the Gambian had skipped by him on the touchline went bafflingly unpunished for a crude hack on him that curtailed a potentially dangerous counter “He pushed his limits and played with aggression,” said Fabian Hürzeler When he gathered a loose ball on the right edge of the box after 28 minutes as Sandro Tonali turned his back – he had cost Newcastle a goal on this ground with similar timidity last season – went by him as well before finding the far corner with a shot that glanced off Burn’s head When Minteh put Brighton ahead in the fifth round of the FA Cup at St James’ in March he had ostentatiously refused to celebrate even though he had never actually played a game for them has changed his mind: here he ran to the Newcastle fans pointing at them and aggressively kissing his badge eventually having to be led away by his teammates Free daily newsletterKick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football Yankuba Minteh curls the ball around Newcastle’s Dan Burn to open the scoring Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PANewcastle’s forward line had struggled to impose itself so it was no great surprise when Jacob Murphy was withdrawn for Anthony Gordon 11 minutes into the second half Within two minutes he had drawn a foul from Tariq Lamptey A penalty was awarded but a check showed the foul had happened just outside the box awarded after Joe Willock had dived over a challenge from Jan Paul van Hecke VAR understandably gets a bad press; these were instances of it working intervene when Tonali seemed to have clattered into the back of Matt O’Riley; Hürzeler awarded for a handball by Yasin Ayari as Fabian Schär’s free-kick arced past him at the end of the wall and when Diego Gómez put a free header wide from six yards in stoppage time As it stands, Newcastle United will qualify for the Champions League. They sit fourth in the Premier League but have little margin for error left ahead of the final three games, starting with a massive clash against Chelsea at St James’ Park on Sunday Eddie Howe’s side drew 1-1 with Brighton on Sunday but there are positives to take They battled back from behind against a team who have constantly bested them at the Amex Stadium over the last few years Beat Chelsea on Sunday and what has already been an historic campaign should end in a return to Europe’s elite club competition even if not claiming all three points in a race this tight is a blow Indeed, pundit Wayne Rooney thinks they are only a few tweaks away from getting back to winning ways on a consistent basis Speaking on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday Rooney moved to assure supporters that Newcastle would soon start winning games “comfortably” The Manchester United and England legend revealed he really enjoys watching Howe’s side having been impressed by their desire to keep pushing in games Rooney also thinks they dominated the game against Brighton “I think Newcastle are a really good team and a good watch as well,” he said but what I liked about them was that they kept pushing “They kept finding themselves in the right areas and doing the right things – it was just their little details They have to get those right and then they win games comfortably.” both this season and in terms of what’s to come Indeed, Rooney thinks Manchester United should be scared of Newcastle who have overtaken them in the Premier League’s power positions It’s hard to disagree. Howe’s side have won 20 of their last 27 games and a draw away at Brighton is hardly a disaster, even if the fact Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea won their games this weekend further tighten the Premier League table If Newcastle’s big players are on form for what are effectively three cup finals to come the Champions League will return to St James’ Naturally, much of the focus at Newcastle United at the end of the season will likely be on what players they can bring into the club However, equally as important will be who leaves. In an ideal world, Eddie Howe would keep all of his best players but sales may need to be made in order to generate funds for signings of their own That’s not to suggest any of the club’s elite stars will be off, just that previously important figures in the Newcastle United squad could leave Indeed, Howe has described Sean Longstaff as Newcastle’s “unsung hero” having played through the pain barrier during the 2022/23 campaign Still, the time could be ticking on Longstaff’s journey at Newcastle Everton have been linked with Longstaff who has been limited to only 12 starts across all competitions this season While Newcastle have triggered the option to extend his contract until the summer of 2026 in order to protect the midfielder’s value they seemingly won’t stand in his way if a suitable offer comes in Leeds are interested in Longstaff too so there would appear to be a market for him this summer According to Dominic Scurr of The Shields Gazette Newcastle are prepared to let their academy graduate leave Newcastle United won't stand in Sean Longstaff's way should he want to leave the club this summer. Eddie Howe confirmed that the club have triggered an extension in his contract until June 2026. Leeds and Everton linked with the 27-year-old. pic.twitter.com/jvOEGTdhDb It would be a shame to see the Newcastle United academy graduate leave Howe might have more compelling options in midfield right now but the 27-year-old’s contribution over the last few seasons cannot be overlooked Longstaff has made 213 appearances for his boyhood club and was part of the squad who won the Carabao Cup back in March he’s played a key role in some of their biggest games in recent memory His strikes against Paris Saint-Germain and Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi-final of 2023 can hardly be forgotten first-team football has been hard to come by and wanting to move in pursuit of it is certainly understandable Howe believes Longstaff could become a manager one day such is his level of understanding of the game Perhaps one day he’ll return to Newcastle in a different kind of capacity By SHAYNE BUGDEN FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA A shock rumour that the girlfriend of Newcastle Knights star Jackson Hastings is feuding with the partner of one of his teammates has surfaced just as the footy couple celebrate the birth of their daughter Despite being one of the club's top players Hastings hasn't been picked for the Knights' first-grade team this year even though the club has only won three of its eight games to sit twelfth on the ladder as they struggle to score points he's being paid an estimated $800,000 a year to play in reserve grade with fans left scratching their heads over his inability to earn a spot in the club's top squad especially after he was one of their best as they shot to a fifth-place finish last season a sensational rumour suggests Hastings is on the outer with the team - not because his form is bad but because his partner Amelia Smith is feuding with the spouse of another Knights star A recent column indicated the falling-out stemmed from a comment Smith had allegedly made but the club has closed ranks and will not reveal what was said The feud apparently escalated when the unnamed fellow Knights player made his case to club powerbrokers who backed him over Hastings NRL star Jackson Hastings is pictured with his partner Amelia Smith who is at the centre of a rumour about a feud between WAGs at the Newcastle Knights Reports of the feud surfaced shortly after the couple welcomed their daughter Scottie Hastings is one of the best players for the struggling Knights leaving fans mystified about why he's being paid an estimated $800,000 to run around in reserve grade this year Knights insiders say this problem isn't going away and the longer Hastings remains locked out of first grade We can now reveal the news of the alleged falling-out has cast a shadow over what should have been one of the happiest times of Hastings' life Last month, he and Smith celebrated the birth of their daughter. The couple revealed their little girl's name, Scottie Hastings, alongside a series of tender photos and messages shared with fans.  The announcement drew congratulations from sports stars including Matildas big guns Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, plus NRL talents Latrell Mitchell and Ezra Mam.  'Scottie Hastings. 13.04.25. The most perfect little girl. Nothing is more important than this little girl, our whole world,' wrote Smith.  Hastings added: 'Proud of you, you were unbelievable. And our little girl is the most perfect little thing in the whole world. Still pinching myself.' About this time, Smith's parents flew in from the UK to meet their new granddaughter. The rumour would go a long way to explaining why Hastings hasn't played first grade in 2025 Hastings (pictured with Smith) has been dogged by personality clashes throughout his career Hastings' partner and his in-laws were there to support him as he steered Newcastle's reserve-grade side to a dramatic last-minute win over Souths in Sydney on Sunday with Smith posting a clip of him kissing their daughter while he was still on the field after the victory The halfback set up the late try that won the match in another display that will have fans asking why he can't break into the NRL side Knights icon and Nine commentator Andrew Johns was asking the same question After pointing out that Hastings' kicking game is 'up there with one of the best' he rated him above one of the stars who has kept him out of the halfback spot and addressed other rumours that Hastings has clashed with stars at the Knights 'Whether it's the [Knights] CEO or someone else you've got to get them all together and sort it out.' Knights coach Adam O'Brien addressed the mystery over Hastings' omission just ahead of the team's NRL match against Souths on Saturday 'I think it would be unfair on Jackson to think that he's the one that can come in and fix all of these things,' O'Brien said referring to problems the team is having across the field 'There's a number of other variables and I'm comfortable with sticking with the crew that we've had at the moment.'  Daily Mail Australia has contacted Hastings Rumours of clashes with teammates and club management are nothing new for Hastings Wests Tigers and UK teams Salford and Wigan before joining the Knights in 2023 Hastings (centre) was one of the driving forces behind Newcastle making the finals as they stormed to a fifth-place finish last season making his demotion as the side has struggled this season even harder to digest Tigers and Roosters star heaped praise on British-born Smith crediting her and her family with helping him become a 'totally different person' He exited the Roosters - where his famous father Kevin 'Horrie' Hastings became a club legend - under a cloud in 2016 after he was banished to reserve grade 'It's been well-documented that I had a run-in with a few different people and it's just sad the way it all ended at the Roosters,' Hastings previously said I've loved that club since I was four years old and the way it ended has been rubbish Hastings then switched to Manly and only played in 13 games over two seasons before getting released from his contract in June 2018 after reportedly getting into a physical clash with Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans He denied getting into a fight with the club legend but admitted getting senior figures at the team offside by breaking curfew to hit the town after a loss in what he confessed was a 'f***ing stupid' decision Three seasons in English footy followed before he returned to the Tigers where he only lasted for the 2022 season before leaving as his relationship with then-coach Tim Sheens reportedly deteriorated In March last year, English footy great Jon Wilkin branded Hastings the most unlikeable player in rugby league with the Aussie brushing his remarks off with a joke who has worked to help the halfback improve his game defended Hastings in 2023 when he made headlines for a fiery sideline exchange with Tommy Talau after he broke his former Tigers teammate's nose with a high shot I think coming in as a halfback into a team like that he tried to put up a façade and it came across as arrogant,' Johns said Hastings met Smith while he was playing in England and paid tribute to her and her family for helping him grow as a person when he left to come back Down Under in late 2021 'My partner Amelia has been incredible, and her family has taken me in,' he told the Manchester Evening News and the gratitude I have for help like that is something I maybe didn't possess before 'I'm better equipped to handle anything thrown my way on and off the field now The comments below have not been moderated By posting your comment you agree to our house rules Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. 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