While the Seagulls enjoyed the greater possession stats, Eddie Howe’s side were the more clinical.
Goals from Ryan Fraser and Fabian Schar inside the opening 15 minutes were enough for three points, although Lewis Dunk’s header on 55 minutes made it a nervy second-half.
That’s now eight games unbeaten for the Magpies, who are marching towards safety with a fifth win in six matches.
Here, our writer Jordan Cronin dishes out his player ratings from the victory at St James’ Park:
1. Martin Dubravka - 6
Looked shaky from Brighton’s set pieces, and so that proved when he was at a standstill for Lewis Dunk’s header. That said, Newcastle hung on and it’s only four goals conceded from Dubravka this calendar year.
2. Emil Krafth - 7
Athletic showing from the Sweden international down the right-hand side. Had his hands full due to Brighton’s style of play and overloading in the wide areas. Didn’t always look convincing, but he played his part.
3. Fabian Schar - 8
Scored his first goal of the season - his first since Fulham away in May - after superbly heading home Ryan Fraser’s free-kick delivery. On the defensive, it was another strong display.
4. Dan Burn - 8
Was a rock against his former club, with two vital and standout last ditch clearances in the first-half. Burn only joined his boyhood club in January but you could see against Brighton he has already become a real, vocal leader on the pitch.