Newcastle United took a step closer to qualifying for the Champions League by defeating Brighton and Hove Albion by 4-1.
Deniz Undav’s own goal gave the home team the lead by deflecting a Kieran Trippier corner into his own goal. Then, the Magpies’ captain found Dan Burn from a free-kick for the second goal.
At the beginning of the second half, Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele made a good save to deny Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron a third goal, but only 45 seconds later, Undav scored at the right end to give the visitors hope.
After dominating for 50 minutes, Newcastle had to start putting up a fight.
Callum Wilson’s cool late finish, though, helped the home team cancel any hopes of a possible Brighton come back.
When Bruno Guimaraes successfully converted Wilson’s pass in overtime, the atmosphere became even more jubilant.
With this victory, Newcastle is almost guaranteed to play in the Champions League for the first time since they were eliminated during the qualifying round in 2003–04.
One victory in their next two games will guarantee a top-four finish for Eddie Howe’s team, who has solidified third place in the standings.
The Magpies have three more points than fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played one fewer game, and four more than fifth-placed Liverpool, who have two games remaining.
As for Brighton, they remain sixth on the table.