It had been exactly five months since Newcastle's last league draw. For a team that either wins or loses, a point at Brighton had real value

Three penalties, two overturned by VAR, and one point apiece made for a curious stalemate that did neither sides’ chances of achieving their European aims much good.

Looking at the Newcastle team v Brighton. The NUFC players hoping to make it eight wins from nine. Premier League victories over Ipswich, West Ham, Brentford, Leicester, Man U and Palace, plus of course in the middle of that,

Ben: Referee wanted to give them absolutely everything from minute one. A one in three rate for calling a penalty is abysmal for a referee of that calibre. Every time we tackled them and got the ball, foul. The opposite but no ball, play on no issue. Absolutely awful overall.

Newcastle United travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend.Eddie Howe’s side are closing in on Champions League qualification and sit third in the table. The Magpies

The race for Champions League qualification has gotten even tighter in the Premier League after Chelsea beat recently crowned champion Liverpool 3-1 and Newcastle dropped points at Brighton with a 1-1 draw.

Magpies remain fourth ahead of crucial St James’ Park clash despite the two clubs now sharing an identical points tally and goal difference