Isak’s Late Penalty Rescues Newcastle Draw at Brighton

Alexander Isak’s dramatic late penalty secured a 1-1 draw for Newcastle against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. The equalizer came in stoppage time after Brighton had taken the lead through Yankuba Minteh.

Newcastle had endured a frustrating afternoon with two earlier penalties overturned by VAR. However, when Yasin Ayari blocked Fabian Schar’s free-kick with his arm, a third penalty was awarded after a lengthy review, and Isak calmly slotted home his 23rd league goal of the season.

The draw was a fair result for Newcastle, who had been the more proactive side throughout the match. Brighton struggled to build on Minteh’s 28th-minute opener, managing only three further shots. They also had a penalty appeal of their own waved away when Matt O’Riley appeared to be challenged by Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle substitute Callum Wilson almost snatched a late winner, forcing a good save from Bart Verbruggen in added time.

The point does little to significantly aid either side’s European ambitions, with Brighton remaining in 10th place and Newcastle staying fourth.

Brighton, buoyed by a late comeback win against West Ham last week, failed to carry that momentum into this encounter and were ultimately punished by Isak’s late intervention. Minteh’s composed finish, curling into the far corner after creating space in a crowded box, had put Brighton ahead against the run of play. The goal was the Gambian forward’s sixth of the campaign since his £30m summer move from Newcastle, a fact he celebrated in front of the away fans by pointing to his badge and the ground.

Despite Minteh’s goal, Brighton struggled to generate further attacking impetus, with their next shot not arriving until the 80th minute as Newcastle pressed for an equalizer. Home manager Fabian Hurzeler’s substitutions failed to change the dynamic of the game, and Newcastle’s persistent pressure eventually told. With challenging fixtures against Wolves, Liverpool, and Tottenham remaining, Brighton’s hopes of European qualification are dwindling.

Newcastle will have mixed feelings about the draw. Manager Eddie Howe would have been frustrated by the two VAR interventions that correctly overturned penalties – the first for a foul by Tariq Lamptey on Anthony Gordon occurring outside the box, and the second for a Joe Willock dive. However, they finally got their reward from the spot. Isak’s late penalty means he has now scored the most goals for Newcastle in a Premier League season since Alan Shearer also netted 23 in 2001-02. While a win would have lifted them to third, the draw ensures they maintain their top-five position as they prepare for crucial games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Everton in their bid to secure a Champions League return.