Newcastle United held out to beat Brighton 2-1 despte a nervy second half at St James' Park. The Magpies survived a few nervy early moments but roared into the lead with two quickfire goals.
Firslly Ryan Fraser was on hand to steer the ball home after Chris Wood had put Jacob Murphy through, and his shot cannoned off the woodwork. Then Fraser turned provider, as his pinpoint free-kick was headed home by Fabian Schar as the Magpies took control.
Dan Burn did well to block a Brighton effort before Martin Dubravka had to be alert to deny Danny Welbeck on the break. At the other end, Burn went close from a deep Matt Targett header. Moment later Murphy pounced on a Lewis Dunk error but his shot was straight at the keeper.
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Brighton pulled a goal back when Lewis Dunk escaped Wood in the box to head past Dubravka. as the visitors started the second period on the front foot. Eddie Howe brought Allan Saint-Maximin on as United tried to get a grip on the game, with Neal Maupay on for the Seagulls.
The visitors pushed and probed for an equaliser which just didn't come. Here's how Lee Ryder rated the Newcastle United players
Martin Dubravka 8
Will be disappointed with goal he let in but made some vital saves on a day in which he faced more than 10 goal attempts.
Emil Krafth 9
So often under-rated but again stepped up to the plate to replace injured Trippier. Good solid show.
Fabian Schar 9
Excellent in the air and weighed in with a vital second goal.
Dan Burn 9
What a signing this man has been. Won everything in the air and put in some fantastic blocks.
Matt Targett 8
Battled on through the pain barrier. Another fine display and gave United such fine balance on the left.
Joelinton 8
Put his body on the line again. Outstanding.
Jonjo Shelvey 8
A dogged display in the middle.
Joe Willock 7
Didn't get his goal but worked so hard.
Jacob Murphy 7
Some good forward running and managed 37 touches in all. Could have been on the scoresheet after hitting the post in build-up to opener and then finding himself presented with big chance after late mix up in first half.
Chris Wood 8
Still waiting for a goal but got the ball rolling with a fine through ball for opener.
Ryan Fraser 10
Match winning, arguably survival sealing contributions, with an assist and a goal. Ran himself into the ground. Performances like this at this time of year worth their weight in gold.
Subs
Allan Saint-Maximin 7 (for Murphy 63)
Bruno Guimaraes (for Fraser 79)
Sean Longstaff (for Willock 90)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to earn a mark
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