Newcastle United suffered a third consecutive Premier League defeat after losing 3-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion on the South Coast. Evan Ferguson netted a hat-trick for the hosts.
Eddie Howe made one enforced change to his starting XI. Sven Botman dropped out because of an ankle injury and was replaced by Matt Targett, which saw Dan Burn moved back into the centre of defence alongside Fabian Schar.
An error by Nick Pope gifted the hosts a deserved lead on 27 minutes when the Magpies goalkeeper’s poor clearance eventually led to Evan Ferguson firing home from close-range.
Ferguson doubled Brighton’s lead in the 65th-minute when he curls a shot home from distance. The Irishman then added a third not long after via a deflected shot off Fabian Schar.
Substitute Callum Wilson pulled a goal back for United during injury time.
Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings from a dismal evening at the Amex Stadium:
1. Nick Pope - 4
A calamitous opening goal to concede, first gifting the ball to Estupinan before parrying Gilmour’s shot into Ferguson’s path. A shaky performance for the second time in a week.
2. Kieran Trippier - 5
A poor team performance and Trippier was no exception. But he didn’t let his head drop and attempted to rally his teammates.
3. Fabian Schar - 4.5
Marginally better than his centre-back partner.
4. Dan Burn - 4
Didn’t get close to Ferguson after moving back into the centre of defence in Botman’s absence.