We asked Sam Hepworth to give us his match ratings and player commentary after Brighton 2 Newcastle 1.
Nick Pope 7
Continues his very good start to the season.
He didn’t have a chance on either goal, made some smart saves and moved behind his defense very well.
Kieran Trippier 6.5
A decent performance and in the final half hour, as United began to gain some control, Trippier was involved in most of the best attacking moves on the right.
Malick Thiaw6
The centre-backs did well overall but must share most of the blame for the opening goal. They drifted too far apart and gave Welback the space and opportunity for his admittedly top class finish.
I think Thiaw and Botman have done well as a partnership and are not suggesting any changes are made.
However, I think we miss Fabian Schar’s ability to pass far out of the defense and bring the ball forward. I don’t think Thiaw is bad with the ball, just that Schar is so excellent with it.
Sven Botman 6
See Thiaw’s comments on today’s defense. Played well overall, but not great on the opening goal.
And burn 5.5
I thought he stuck with it and did well.
Minteh got the upper hand on a few occasions, but Burn generally did well at the back. He moved forward a bit and with an excellent low ball over the ball, Thiaw was just too late, he should have thrown himself at it and probably scored.
Bruno Guimaraes 6.5
The best of our midfield trio today.
Like the rest of the team, there isn’t much to say about the first half. However, as Newcastle started to get into the game, Bruno helped make things happen and made some good turns and ball movements.
Sandro Tonali 5.5
Not one of his best games. Maybe by playing so much football to catch up with him a little. Maybe could have done better in the build up to the first goal as Brighton cut through the center of our midfield too easily. Tonali also lost possession in midfield shortly afterwards, but the Brighton player fired the ball over the crossbar.
Joelinton
Feel a little guilty giving such a low score to a player who gave us so much.
But…the truth is that these types of matches are not becoming that rare anymore.
Sometimes, of course, he’s still the Joelinton reaching the heights of what he used to do on a regular basis, but in games like today where he’s so off the pace and struggles to contribute much of anything. I would certainly not only blame him for the first half performance, but I also think he is such a weak link at times when Newcastle are trying to pass and advance to play into the opponent’s penalty area.
Anthony Elanga 4
Didn’t really contribute anything worth mentioning.
Played well in both Champions League games but was perhaps given a bit more space where he could use his pace. Still to reach those levels in the Premier League for NUFC.
Nick Woltemade 7.5
What a sublime finish with a flick of his heel, worth winning any match and so unfortunate to be on the losing side.
He wasn’t good in the first half, but if you rarely get the ball and don’t get much support, you have forward problems.
Newcastle still haven’t quite figured out the best way to get the best out of the striker, but with the help of the substitutes changing things up in the second half, United really comes alive once United get it into Big Nick’s feet.
Great control and smart layoffs, plus better balls into the box, especially from the right, suddenly made Woltemade look so dangerous. Should have done better with a big header chance just before half time, but otherwise no real negatives, if you take advantage of his strengths!
Anthony Gordon6
Not saying much, but Newcastle’s best attacking threat in the first half. I think overall he did quite well with what he was given in terms of positions when in possession, making some good turns and trying to upset Brighton with a few one-twos, but the lack of movement from others did him no favours.
subtitles:
Jacob Murphy7
United looked much better down the right as the game progressed in the second half, some decent crosses and good interplay with others. It’s hard to suggest from today’s performance that Elanga should feature ahead of Murphy.
Harvey Barnes6
Did well when he came on and as the game opens up I think this is Barnes’ biggest strength, as an impact sub against a tiring opponent.
Lewis Miley6
Another who did quite well off the bench. Holds the ball well and made some more runs forward today, one of which saw him get an assist as his low pass was brilliantly cleared by Woltemade’s back heel.
Jacob Ramsey6
I’m so unlucky to be injured by Sean Longstaff in the Leeds draw so early in his NUFC career. I think he will be a real asset for United and once he is fully fit he will be keen to start. A player who can carry the ball and be an attacking threat. I think he can be part of a more attacking Newcastle team once he gets up to speed.
William Osula N/A
Not long enough to judge.
Brighton 2 Newcastle 1 – Saturday 18 October 2025 3pm
(Statistics via BBC Sports)
Goals:
Newcastle United:
Woltemade 76
Brighton:
Welbeck 41, 85
Possess was Newcastle 54% Brighton 46%
Total shots were Newcastle 16 Brighton 13
Shots on target were Newcastle 3 Brighton 5
Corners were Newcastle 4 Brighton 8
Touches in the box Newcastle 25 Brighton 29
Newcastle team vs Brighton:
Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Bruno (Osula 86), Joelinton (Miley 46), Tonali (Ramsey 70), Gordon (Barnes 70), Woltemade, Elanga (Murphy 46)
Unused subs:
Ramsdale, Krafth, Willock, Schar
(Brighton 2 Newcastle 1 – Direct response from Newcastle United fan/writer – Read HERE)
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