NEWCASTLE (4-4-2):
6 Darlow: Made an excellent second-half save from Dunk’s header, but his distribution continues to let him down
6 Yedlin: Kept March reasonably quiet, but wasn’t able to offer much of an attacking threat in the Brighton half
7 Lascelles: Won the physical battle against Murray and was always in control of Newcastle’s defensive line
7 CLARK: An impressive display from the Irishman, who dominated in the air as the Magpies reverted to a flat back four
7 Dummett: Continued his seamless return to the side as he was shuffled back to left-back – did well against Knockaert
4 Ritchie: A below-par display that even saw his set-piece delivery drop well below its usual standard – is struggling for form at the moment
6 Hayden: The pick of Newcastle’s midfielders as he returned to the side to provide plenty of energy and effort at the base of midfield
5 Merino: Not one of the Spaniard’s better games as his touch deserted him on a number of occasions
5 Atsu: Flickered into life sporadically down the left-hand side, and delivered a decent cross to create a chance for Gayle
4 Gayle: Came close with a second-half header, but his touch was awful for most of the game and he conceded possession repeatedly
4 Joselu: Always looked to get on the ball, but never looked like scoring and his only effort sailed well wide
Subs:
Perez (for Ritchie, 72)
Shelvey (for Merino, 76)
Murphy (for Joselu, 84)
(not used): Woodman (gk), Manquillo, Mbemba, Diame.
BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1):
Ryan 8; Bruno 7, Dunk 7, DUFFY 8, Bong 7; Stephens 6, Propper 6; Knockaert 6, Gross 6, March 5; Murray 5 (Hemed 62, 4).
Subs (not used): Krul (gk), Kayal, Goldson, Izquierdo, Schelotto, Baldock.
Man Of The Match: SHANE DUFFY – The Brighton centre-half was rock-solid at the back, and won a number of headers in the Newcastle box.
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