Newcastle United fell to a disappointing 1-0 home loss against Brighton & Hove Albion after Danny Welbeck’s first-half goal.
The Magpies were looking to end their three-game winless run in the Premier League and though they created several scoring opportunities, lack of finishing let them down.
Brighton were second best throughout the game but managed to come away with all three points after Welbeck’s decisive goal in the 35th minute.
The National media praised Newcastle’s overall performance but slammed their inability to convert the chances.
Alexander Isak received the most criticism as he squandered some big goalscoring opportunities.
The Mail on Sunday gave the Sweden international 4.5/10 rating, saying he had ‘sunk a couple himself’.
Isak could have delivered an early breakthrough for the hosts when he miskicked the ball from about eight yards out in the first-half.
The 25-year-old was then guilty of squandering another big opportunity as he failed to beat Bart Verbruggen after Sandro Tonali put him clean through.
Danny Welbeck then stunned the home supporters with a superb goal that came completely against the run of play.
That strike proved decisive in the game as Brighton held out to secure a 1-0 win.
The result leaves Newcastle eighth in the league standings, with five points behind the top-four.
Eddie Howe’s men should have taken full points from the home encounter on Saturday. Now sterner tests await the Magpies as they are set to face Chelsea twice in all competitions before welcoming Arsenal at St James’ Park.
