Newcastle United player ratings v Brighton: 9/10 ‘hero’ & ‘cruel’ 7/10 in 4-1 win

Newcastle United are one win away from sealing Champions League qualification with a 4-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Eddie Howe’s side took the lead in the 22nd minute when Kieran Trippier’s corner was flicked into his own net by Deniz Undav. The advantage was then doubled in first-half injury time when Dan Burn headed home Trippier’s free-kick delivery.

Undav atoned for his early own goal by pulling back six minutes after half-time. It threatened to be a nervy end but goals from Callum Wilson and Bruno Guimaraes inside the closing stages wrapped up a massive victory.

United can confirm their place in the Premier League top four with a victory over relegation-threatened Leicester City on Monday night.

Here’s our player ratings from the win on Tyneside.

Nick Pope - 7

Beaten by Undav but had very little to do on the night. Mind, his kicking was rash at times.

Kieran Trippier - 9

Back to his best from set pieces with two deliveries to create the two opening goals. Gave Kaoru Mitoma, who terrorised Trippier on the South Coast, little joy.

Fabian Schar - 7

A composed display. Do you expect anything less from the Swiss these days?

Sven Botman - 7

Produced a quality last-ditch tackle late in the first half. A much-improved performance after a cagey few weeks.

Dan Burn - 9

A Geordie hero against Leicester in January and again tonight. Superb header to put United 2-0. Defended excellently too.

Bruno Guimaraes - 7

Has looked to be carrying an injury in recent weeks but there were no signs of that tonight. Ran himself into the ground and grabbed a goal to show for it.

Joe Willock - 7

Found spaces in the box early doors and his pace got Newcastle forward on a couple of occasions. Forced to withdraw on the hour-mark with a nasty-looking hamstring injury. A cruel way to end the season, if that is to be the case.

Joelinton - 7

Here, there and everywhere like he has been for Newcastle all season. Never shied away from a tackle.

Miguel Almiron - 8

Was wasteful in the final third until assisting Wilson’s 89th-minute goal. Showed relentless work rate to track back.

Alexander Isak - 7

Put in a good shift down the left and tucked in well when needed, even if we didn’t see much of his attacking flair.

Callum Wilson - 8

Was fairly quiet up until his goal. Then assisted a goal for Bruno seconds later. A bruising display up top.

Elliot Anderson (on for Willock, 60) - 7

The young Geordie stepped up in Willock’s absence.

Anthony Gordon (on for Isak, 90+4) - N/A

Allan Saint-Maximin (on for Almiron, 90+4) - N/A

Matt Targett (on for Joelinton, 90+5) - N/A

Javier Manquillo (on for Trippier, 90+5) - N/A

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