A L B I O N R E P O R T - 2
( featuring the Chelsea (14/9), Portsmouth (17/9) and Newcastle
United (20/9) games )
14 SEPTEMBER 2020 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 ( Leandro
Trossard 1 - 54 minutes ) CHELSEA 3 ( Jorginho 1, penalty - 23
minutes, Reece James 1 - 56 minutes, Kurt Zouma 1 - 66 minutes )
- PREMIER LEAGUE - at the AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMUNITY
STADIUM, FALMER - Behind Closed Doors.
For their fourth season in the Premier League and for their 2020-2021 season opener
the Albion welcomed Chelsea to the Amex for a Premier League fixture, behind closed
doors, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras. In last season's encounters Chelsea
won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on the 28 September 2019 and in the return game at the
Amex on the 1 January 2020 the teams drew 1-1 with Alireza Jahanbakhsh scoring a
worldy equaliser for the Seagulls.
Albion Head Coach Graham Potter named an interesting-looking first-day squad, with
Ben White making his Premier League debut in defence and Adam Lallana (formerly
Liverpool) making his Albion debut in midfield. Defender Joel Veltman, signed from
Ajex in the current transfer window had to content himself with a place on the substitutes
bench.
With their transfer embargo behind them, Chelsea have spent over £200 million in the
current transfer window, bringing in striker Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), midfielder Hakim
Ziyech (Ajax), defender Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), defender Thiago Silva (formerly
Paris Saint-Germain) and midfielder Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen). Only Werner
and Havertz made Manager Frank Lampard's starting eleven to face the Albion.
In the early stages the Albion more than held their own against their opponents from
West London but on 23 minutes the Seagulls found themselves a goal down to a give-
away goal when Steven Alzate carelessly gave the ball away to Jorginho in the
midfield area. The Chelsea captain gratefully accepted the gift and sent Timo Werner
away but as he went round Mathew Ryan, the Albion keeper brought down Chelsea's
new pacy striker and Referee Craig Pawson unhesitatingly pointed to the spot.
Jorginho converted the penalty and the visitors were undeservedly ahead. 0-1.
Thereafter the Albion continued to press and Neal Maupay fluffed a header from the
lively Tariq Lamptey's cross and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a
fine save to keep out a long-range shot from Alzate. Just prior to half-time the Albion
lost the services of new-boy Adam Lallana to injury, Aaron Connolly substituting. In time
added on the dangerous Werner fired in a shot which produced a good save from
keeper Ryan getting down low to his right. Half-time 0-1.
The second-half started with the Seagulls on the front foot with Connolly failing to
convert two chances which came his way. On 54 minutes Albion were level as the
impressive Lamptey fed Leandro Trossard just outside the box and the Belgian's
low shot flashed into the net under the despairing dive of keeper Arrizabalaga. 1-1.
Albion's hard work in levelling was undone two minutes later when full-back Reece
James unleashed a rocket of a shot from 25 yards out which flew into the top of the
net giving keeper Ryan no chance. It was James first senior goal for Chelsea. 1-2.
Minutes later the unmarked Lewis Dunk missed a golden opportunity of equalising
when he inexplicably headed wide from point-blank range from Trossard's centre.
Albion's luckless evening continued when on 66 minutes Kurt Zouma's soft shot was
deflected by Adam Webster's right foot past the helpless Ryan in the Brighton goal.
1-3. The Seagulls still kept going after this set-back but they only had another
curling effort by Connolly which keeper Arrizabalaga saved, to show for their
endeavours. Final-score 1-3.
VERDICT - A disappointing result for Albion's opener. Chances not taken, goals
gifted to their opponents is not the way forward. If this situation continues it will be a
long/hard season. The Albion squad needs to eradicate the defensive errors and
start taking their chances so we can have a season to enjoy.
Albion line-up (3-4-1-2):- Mathew Ryan; Ben White (Pascal Gross 79), Lewis Dunk
(Capt), Adam Webster; Tariq Lamptey, Steven Alzate (Alireza Jahanbakhsh 79),
Yves Bissouma, Solly March; Adam Lallana (Aaron Connolly 45); Neal Maupay,
Leandro Trossard. Subs not used: Jason Steele (G/K), Joel Veltman, Dan Burn,
Dale Stephens.
Chelsea line-up (4-3-3):- Kepa Arrizabalaga; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Andreas
Christensen, Marcos Alonso; Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Ross Barkley 61), Jorginho
(Capt) (Cesar Azpilicueta 85), Ngolo Kante; Kai Havertz (Callum Hudson-Odoi 80),
Timo Werner, Mason Mount. Subs not used: Willy Cabellero (G/K), Antonio Rudiger,
Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham.
Referee: Craig Pawson (Sheffield).
Yellow Card: Albion: 1 - Tariq Lamptey.
Possession: Albion - 52%. Chelsea - 48%.
BBC Sport Man of the Match: Tariq Lamptey (Albion).
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors.
17 SEPTEMBER 2020 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 4 ( Alexis Mac
Allister 1 - 38 minutes, Alireza Jahanbakhsh 1 - 54 minutes, Bernardo
1 - 57 minutes, Viktor Gyokeres 1 - 71 minutes ) PORTSMOUTH 0
- CARABAO CUP, SECOND ROUND - at the AMERICAN EXPRESS
COMMUNITY STADIUM, FALMER - Behind Closed Doors.
For their second outing of the season, the Albion entertained South Coast rivals
League One Portsmouth at the Amex for a Carabao Cup Second Round tie "live"
in front of the Sky Sports cameras, behind closed doors. The last time Seagulls
met Pompey was in March 2012 in League One at the Amex, when two Vicente
goals gave Albion a 2-0 win.
Albion Head Coach Graham Potter made eleven changes to his starting line-up
from the 1-3 home Premier League defeat to Chelsea on the 14 September.
Last time out Portsmouth had drawn 0-0 at home to Shrewsbury Town in League
One on the 12 September. For this game Manager Kenny Jackett made three
changes to his starting line-up from the Shrewsbury game, with James Bolton,
Cameron Pring and Ryan Williams coming in for Callum Johnson (cup-tied),
Lee Brown and Gareth Evans.
The Seagulls took charge of the proceedings from the outset and in the first
thirty minutes a number of opportunities went-a begging through Viktor Gyokeres,
Bernardo, Pascal Gross and Captain Dale Stephens saw his curled shot from 25
yards out strike the post with Portsmouth keeper Craig MacGillivray helpless.
Finally on 38 minutes the Albion went ahead when Alireza Jahanbakhsh's cross
to the far post was headed home by Alexis Mac Allister. It was the Argentine's
first senior goal for the Albion. 1-0. Debutant Joel Veltman made a fine defensive
block to prevent Marcus Harness from equalising for Pompey. Half-time 1-0.
Three goals in the space of 17 second-half minutes saw the Albion settle the tie.
On 54 minutes Mac Allister and Gyokeres set-up Jahanbakhsh and the Iranian
fired a blockbuster of a shot into the top of the goal, giving keeper MacGillivray
no chance. 2-0. Three minutes later Mac Allister's corner was headed home by
Bernardo. It was the Brazilian's first goal for the Seagulls. 3-0. On 71 minutes
the Albion scored their fourth as Bernardo's cross found Gyokeres who turned
and fired a low shot past MacGillivray. It was the Swedish striker's first senior
goal for the Albion. 4-0. Near the end Albion's under-worked keeper Jason
Steele made a magnificent save to keep out Sean Raggett's header from a
corner. Final-score 4-0.
The Seagulls had 23 attempts at goal, with 10 on target and won 5 corners,
free-kicks conceded - 8. Pompey had 10 attempts at goal, with 2 on target
and won 12 corners, free-kicks conceded - 8.
VERDICT - A fine professional performance by Albion's "shadow" eleven.
Next stop for the Seagulls - a third round tie at Championship Preston North
End on the 23 September.
Albion line-up (4-4-2):- Jason Steele; Jayson Molumby, Joel Veltman (Max
Sanders 68), Dan Burn, Bernardo; Davy Propper, Dale Stephens (Capt),
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Haydon Roberts 68), Pascal Gross (Peter Gwargis 77);
Alexis Mac Allister, Viktor Gyokeres. Subs not used: Robert Sanchez (G/K),
Alex Cochrane, Romaric Yapi, Lars Dendoncker.
Portsmouth line-up (4-4-2):- Craig MacGillivray; James Bolton, Jack
Whatmough (Paul Downing 71), Sean Raggett, Cameron Pring; Bryn Morris,
Tom Naylor (Capt), Ryan Williams, Marcus Harness; Ronan Curtis (Andy
Cannon 64), John Marquis (Ellis Harrison 63). Subs not used: Duncan
Turnbull (G/K), Lee Brown, Ben Close, Gareth Evans.
Referee: Matthew Donohue (Greater Manchester).
Yellow Cards: Albion: 1 - Pascal Gross. Portsmouth: 1 - John Marquis.
Possession: Albion - 62%. Portsmouth - 38%.
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors.
20 SEPTEMBER 2020 - NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 BRIGHTON &
HOVE ALBION 3 ( Neal Maupay 2 - 4 minutes, penalty,
7 minutes, Aaron Connolly 1 - 83 minutes ) - PREMIER LEAGUE
- at ST. JAMES' PARK, NEWCASTLE - Behind Closed Doors.
After two home games, the Seagulls were on their travels, making the long trek
to the North East to take on Newcastle United in a Premier League encounter
at St. James' Park, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras. In their opening
league fixture at West Ham United on the 12 September Newcastle won 2-0,
with their goals coming from new signings Callum Wilson (formerly AFC
Bournemouth) and Jeff Hendrick (formerly Burnley).
Albion made one change to their starting line-up from the Chelsea game (1-3)
of the 14 September, with Aaron Connolly coming in for Adam Lallana who
dropped down to the substitutes bench. Unsurprisingly, Newcastle Manager
Steve Bruce named an unchanged starting line-up from the West Ham game
(2-0) of the 12 September.
Albion got off to a flying start when on 4 minutes Newcastle's Allan Saint-
Maximin brought down the flying Tariq Lamptey in the penalty area. Neal
Maupay calmly slotted home the resultant penalty-kick to put the Seagulls
ahead. 1-0. Three minutes later the Albion were at it again as Lamptey
skipped down the right-wing, found Leandro Trossard whose low centre
found the alert Maupay who guided the ball past Newcastle keeper Karl
Darlow for a delightfully crafted goal. The Albion were on cloud nine having
made the ideal start at St. James' Park. 2-0. The Seagulls thereafter
continued to dominate the first-half, with Lamptey particularly outstanding.
Half-time 2-0.
Normal service was resumed at the start of the second-half as Trossard
forced keeper Darlow to keep out a goal-bound effort. Star man Lamptey
was replaced by Dan Burn on 58 minutes to protect himself from thr
battering he was taking from the desperate Newcastle players, with Albion
going to a back four with Ben White on the right. Following a mistake by
Captain Lewis Dunk, striker Callum Wilson headed over the bar when he
should have converted. Trossard was then unlucky as his low shot hit the
post and in the 83rd minute the Seagulls clinched the three points as
Maupay turned provider as he found fellow striker Aaron Connolly who
ran on to send a curled shot past keeper Darlow to the far corner from 15
yards out. 3-0. The drama wasnt over as in the final minutes Albion
midfielder Yves Bissouma received a straight red card for planting his
right boot in the face of Newcastle's Jamal Lewis, who left the field of play
injured, so both teams were down to ten men, the Magpies having used
all their substitutes. Final-score 3-0.
The Albion had 13 attempts at goal, with 6 on target and won 1 corner,
free-kicks conceded - 15. Newcastle had 6 attempts at goal, with
0 (none) on target and won 7 corners, free-kicks conceded - 16.
VERDICT - A brilliant superb performance by the Albion from start to
finish and they are now unbeaten in seven Premier League meetings
with Newcastle. Star man Tariq Lamptey (19) stood out and rightly
received praise from the pundits and media for his performance.
Newcastle couldnt cope with his explosive pace and had to resort to
fouling him when they could get near him. Ben White and Neal Maupay
also put in top performances. Exciting times could be ahead for the
Seagulls.
Albion line-up (3-4-3):- Mathew Ryan; Ben White, Lewis Dunk (Capt),
Adam Webster; Tariq Lamptey (Dan Burn 58), Yves Bissouma, Steven
Alzate, Solly March (Adam Lallana 78); Leandro Trossard, Aaron
Connolly (Alireza Jahanbakhsh 90), Neal Maupay. Subs not used:
Jason Steele (G/K), Joel Veltman, Bernardo, Pascal Gross.
Newcastle United line-up (4-4-2):- Karl Darlow; Javier Manquillo,
Jamaal Lascelles (Capt), Fernando Fernandez, Jamal Lewis; Jeff
Hendrick, Jonjo Shelvey (Joelinton 72), Isaac Hayden, Allan Saint-
Maximin (Ryan Fraser 33); Andy Carroll (Miguel Almiron 46), Callum
Wilson. Subs not used: Gillespie (G/K), Ciaran Clark, Emil Krafth,
Matt Ritchie.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
Red Card: Albion: 1 - Yves Bissouma.
Yellow Cards: Newcastle United: 3 - Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis,
Jonjo Shelvey.
Possession: Albion - 53%. Newcastle United - 47%.
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES:
23 September 2020 - PRESTON NORTH END - away - Carabao
Cup, Third Round - kick-off 19.00.
26 September 2020 - MANCHESTER UNITED - home - Premier
League - kick-off 12.30. "Live" on BT Sport.
Jack Kaye
22 September 2020.
( featuring the Chelsea (14/9), Portsmouth (17/9) and Newcastle
United (20/9) games )
14 SEPTEMBER 2020 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 1 ( Leandro
Trossard 1 - 54 minutes ) CHELSEA 3 ( Jorginho 1, penalty - 23
minutes, Reece James 1 - 56 minutes, Kurt Zouma 1 - 66 minutes )
- PREMIER LEAGUE - at the AMERICAN EXPRESS COMMUNITY
STADIUM, FALMER - Behind Closed Doors.
For their fourth season in the Premier League and for their 2020-2021 season opener
the Albion welcomed Chelsea to the Amex for a Premier League fixture, behind closed
doors, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras. In last season's encounters Chelsea
won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on the 28 September 2019 and in the return game at the
Amex on the 1 January 2020 the teams drew 1-1 with Alireza Jahanbakhsh scoring a
worldy equaliser for the Seagulls.
Albion Head Coach Graham Potter named an interesting-looking first-day squad, with
Ben White making his Premier League debut in defence and Adam Lallana (formerly
Liverpool) making his Albion debut in midfield. Defender Joel Veltman, signed from
Ajex in the current transfer window had to content himself with a place on the substitutes
bench.
With their transfer embargo behind them, Chelsea have spent over £200 million in the
current transfer window, bringing in striker Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), midfielder Hakim
Ziyech (Ajax), defender Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), defender Thiago Silva (formerly
Paris Saint-Germain) and midfielder Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen). Only Werner
and Havertz made Manager Frank Lampard's starting eleven to face the Albion.
In the early stages the Albion more than held their own against their opponents from
West London but on 23 minutes the Seagulls found themselves a goal down to a give-
away goal when Steven Alzate carelessly gave the ball away to Jorginho in the
midfield area. The Chelsea captain gratefully accepted the gift and sent Timo Werner
away but as he went round Mathew Ryan, the Albion keeper brought down Chelsea's
new pacy striker and Referee Craig Pawson unhesitatingly pointed to the spot.
Jorginho converted the penalty and the visitors were undeservedly ahead. 0-1.
Thereafter the Albion continued to press and Neal Maupay fluffed a header from the
lively Tariq Lamptey's cross and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a
fine save to keep out a long-range shot from Alzate. Just prior to half-time the Albion
lost the services of new-boy Adam Lallana to injury, Aaron Connolly substituting. In time
added on the dangerous Werner fired in a shot which produced a good save from
keeper Ryan getting down low to his right. Half-time 0-1.
The second-half started with the Seagulls on the front foot with Connolly failing to
convert two chances which came his way. On 54 minutes Albion were level as the
impressive Lamptey fed Leandro Trossard just outside the box and the Belgian's
low shot flashed into the net under the despairing dive of keeper Arrizabalaga. 1-1.
Albion's hard work in levelling was undone two minutes later when full-back Reece
James unleashed a rocket of a shot from 25 yards out which flew into the top of the
net giving keeper Ryan no chance. It was James first senior goal for Chelsea. 1-2.
Minutes later the unmarked Lewis Dunk missed a golden opportunity of equalising
when he inexplicably headed wide from point-blank range from Trossard's centre.
Albion's luckless evening continued when on 66 minutes Kurt Zouma's soft shot was
deflected by Adam Webster's right foot past the helpless Ryan in the Brighton goal.
1-3. The Seagulls still kept going after this set-back but they only had another
curling effort by Connolly which keeper Arrizabalaga saved, to show for their
endeavours. Final-score 1-3.
VERDICT - A disappointing result for Albion's opener. Chances not taken, goals
gifted to their opponents is not the way forward. If this situation continues it will be a
long/hard season. The Albion squad needs to eradicate the defensive errors and
start taking their chances so we can have a season to enjoy.
Albion line-up (3-4-1-2):- Mathew Ryan; Ben White (Pascal Gross 79), Lewis Dunk
(Capt), Adam Webster; Tariq Lamptey, Steven Alzate (Alireza Jahanbakhsh 79),
Yves Bissouma, Solly March; Adam Lallana (Aaron Connolly 45); Neal Maupay,
Leandro Trossard. Subs not used: Jason Steele (G/K), Joel Veltman, Dan Burn,
Dale Stephens.
Chelsea line-up (4-3-3):- Kepa Arrizabalaga; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Andreas
Christensen, Marcos Alonso; Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Ross Barkley 61), Jorginho
(Capt) (Cesar Azpilicueta 85), Ngolo Kante; Kai Havertz (Callum Hudson-Odoi 80),
Timo Werner, Mason Mount. Subs not used: Willy Cabellero (G/K), Antonio Rudiger,
Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham.
Referee: Craig Pawson (Sheffield).
Yellow Card: Albion: 1 - Tariq Lamptey.
Possession: Albion - 52%. Chelsea - 48%.
BBC Sport Man of the Match: Tariq Lamptey (Albion).
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors.
17 SEPTEMBER 2020 - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 4 ( Alexis Mac
Allister 1 - 38 minutes, Alireza Jahanbakhsh 1 - 54 minutes, Bernardo
1 - 57 minutes, Viktor Gyokeres 1 - 71 minutes ) PORTSMOUTH 0
- CARABAO CUP, SECOND ROUND - at the AMERICAN EXPRESS
COMMUNITY STADIUM, FALMER - Behind Closed Doors.
For their second outing of the season, the Albion entertained South Coast rivals
League One Portsmouth at the Amex for a Carabao Cup Second Round tie "live"
in front of the Sky Sports cameras, behind closed doors. The last time Seagulls
met Pompey was in March 2012 in League One at the Amex, when two Vicente
goals gave Albion a 2-0 win.
Albion Head Coach Graham Potter made eleven changes to his starting line-up
from the 1-3 home Premier League defeat to Chelsea on the 14 September.
Last time out Portsmouth had drawn 0-0 at home to Shrewsbury Town in League
One on the 12 September. For this game Manager Kenny Jackett made three
changes to his starting line-up from the Shrewsbury game, with James Bolton,
Cameron Pring and Ryan Williams coming in for Callum Johnson (cup-tied),
Lee Brown and Gareth Evans.
The Seagulls took charge of the proceedings from the outset and in the first
thirty minutes a number of opportunities went-a begging through Viktor Gyokeres,
Bernardo, Pascal Gross and Captain Dale Stephens saw his curled shot from 25
yards out strike the post with Portsmouth keeper Craig MacGillivray helpless.
Finally on 38 minutes the Albion went ahead when Alireza Jahanbakhsh's cross
to the far post was headed home by Alexis Mac Allister. It was the Argentine's
first senior goal for the Albion. 1-0. Debutant Joel Veltman made a fine defensive
block to prevent Marcus Harness from equalising for Pompey. Half-time 1-0.
Three goals in the space of 17 second-half minutes saw the Albion settle the tie.
On 54 minutes Mac Allister and Gyokeres set-up Jahanbakhsh and the Iranian
fired a blockbuster of a shot into the top of the goal, giving keeper MacGillivray
no chance. 2-0. Three minutes later Mac Allister's corner was headed home by
Bernardo. It was the Brazilian's first goal for the Seagulls. 3-0. On 71 minutes
the Albion scored their fourth as Bernardo's cross found Gyokeres who turned
and fired a low shot past MacGillivray. It was the Swedish striker's first senior
goal for the Albion. 4-0. Near the end Albion's under-worked keeper Jason
Steele made a magnificent save to keep out Sean Raggett's header from a
corner. Final-score 4-0.
The Seagulls had 23 attempts at goal, with 10 on target and won 5 corners,
free-kicks conceded - 8. Pompey had 10 attempts at goal, with 2 on target
and won 12 corners, free-kicks conceded - 8.
VERDICT - A fine professional performance by Albion's "shadow" eleven.
Next stop for the Seagulls - a third round tie at Championship Preston North
End on the 23 September.
Albion line-up (4-4-2):- Jason Steele; Jayson Molumby, Joel Veltman (Max
Sanders 68), Dan Burn, Bernardo; Davy Propper, Dale Stephens (Capt),
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Haydon Roberts 68), Pascal Gross (Peter Gwargis 77);
Alexis Mac Allister, Viktor Gyokeres. Subs not used: Robert Sanchez (G/K),
Alex Cochrane, Romaric Yapi, Lars Dendoncker.
Portsmouth line-up (4-4-2):- Craig MacGillivray; James Bolton, Jack
Whatmough (Paul Downing 71), Sean Raggett, Cameron Pring; Bryn Morris,
Tom Naylor (Capt), Ryan Williams, Marcus Harness; Ronan Curtis (Andy
Cannon 64), John Marquis (Ellis Harrison 63). Subs not used: Duncan
Turnbull (G/K), Lee Brown, Ben Close, Gareth Evans.
Referee: Matthew Donohue (Greater Manchester).
Yellow Cards: Albion: 1 - Pascal Gross. Portsmouth: 1 - John Marquis.
Possession: Albion - 62%. Portsmouth - 38%.
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors.
20 SEPTEMBER 2020 - NEWCASTLE UNITED 0 BRIGHTON &
HOVE ALBION 3 ( Neal Maupay 2 - 4 minutes, penalty,
7 minutes, Aaron Connolly 1 - 83 minutes ) - PREMIER LEAGUE
- at ST. JAMES' PARK, NEWCASTLE - Behind Closed Doors.
After two home games, the Seagulls were on their travels, making the long trek
to the North East to take on Newcastle United in a Premier League encounter
at St. James' Park, "live" in front of the Sky Sports cameras. In their opening
league fixture at West Ham United on the 12 September Newcastle won 2-0,
with their goals coming from new signings Callum Wilson (formerly AFC
Bournemouth) and Jeff Hendrick (formerly Burnley).
Albion made one change to their starting line-up from the Chelsea game (1-3)
of the 14 September, with Aaron Connolly coming in for Adam Lallana who
dropped down to the substitutes bench. Unsurprisingly, Newcastle Manager
Steve Bruce named an unchanged starting line-up from the West Ham game
(2-0) of the 12 September.
Albion got off to a flying start when on 4 minutes Newcastle's Allan Saint-
Maximin brought down the flying Tariq Lamptey in the penalty area. Neal
Maupay calmly slotted home the resultant penalty-kick to put the Seagulls
ahead. 1-0. Three minutes later the Albion were at it again as Lamptey
skipped down the right-wing, found Leandro Trossard whose low centre
found the alert Maupay who guided the ball past Newcastle keeper Karl
Darlow for a delightfully crafted goal. The Albion were on cloud nine having
made the ideal start at St. James' Park. 2-0. The Seagulls thereafter
continued to dominate the first-half, with Lamptey particularly outstanding.
Half-time 2-0.
Normal service was resumed at the start of the second-half as Trossard
forced keeper Darlow to keep out a goal-bound effort. Star man Lamptey
was replaced by Dan Burn on 58 minutes to protect himself from thr
battering he was taking from the desperate Newcastle players, with Albion
going to a back four with Ben White on the right. Following a mistake by
Captain Lewis Dunk, striker Callum Wilson headed over the bar when he
should have converted. Trossard was then unlucky as his low shot hit the
post and in the 83rd minute the Seagulls clinched the three points as
Maupay turned provider as he found fellow striker Aaron Connolly who
ran on to send a curled shot past keeper Darlow to the far corner from 15
yards out. 3-0. The drama wasnt over as in the final minutes Albion
midfielder Yves Bissouma received a straight red card for planting his
right boot in the face of Newcastle's Jamal Lewis, who left the field of play
injured, so both teams were down to ten men, the Magpies having used
all their substitutes. Final-score 3-0.
The Albion had 13 attempts at goal, with 6 on target and won 1 corner,
free-kicks conceded - 15. Newcastle had 6 attempts at goal, with
0 (none) on target and won 7 corners, free-kicks conceded - 16.
VERDICT - A brilliant superb performance by the Albion from start to
finish and they are now unbeaten in seven Premier League meetings
with Newcastle. Star man Tariq Lamptey (19) stood out and rightly
received praise from the pundits and media for his performance.
Newcastle couldnt cope with his explosive pace and had to resort to
fouling him when they could get near him. Ben White and Neal Maupay
also put in top performances. Exciting times could be ahead for the
Seagulls.
Albion line-up (3-4-3):- Mathew Ryan; Ben White, Lewis Dunk (Capt),
Adam Webster; Tariq Lamptey (Dan Burn 58), Yves Bissouma, Steven
Alzate, Solly March (Adam Lallana 78); Leandro Trossard, Aaron
Connolly (Alireza Jahanbakhsh 90), Neal Maupay. Subs not used:
Jason Steele (G/K), Joel Veltman, Bernardo, Pascal Gross.
Newcastle United line-up (4-4-2):- Karl Darlow; Javier Manquillo,
Jamaal Lascelles (Capt), Fernando Fernandez, Jamal Lewis; Jeff
Hendrick, Jonjo Shelvey (Joelinton 72), Isaac Hayden, Allan Saint-
Maximin (Ryan Fraser 33); Andy Carroll (Miguel Almiron 46), Callum
Wilson. Subs not used: Gillespie (G/K), Ciaran Clark, Emil Krafth,
Matt Ritchie.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
Red Card: Albion: 1 - Yves Bissouma.
Yellow Cards: Newcastle United: 3 - Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis,
Jonjo Shelvey.
Possession: Albion - 53%. Newcastle United - 47%.
Attendance: Behind Closed Doors.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES:
23 September 2020 - PRESTON NORTH END - away - Carabao
Cup, Third Round - kick-off 19.00.
26 September 2020 - MANCHESTER UNITED - home - Premier
League - kick-off 12.30. "Live" on BT Sport.
Jack Kaye
22 September 2020.
