Newcastle United beat Brighton 3-1 to end five-match losing streak

Newcastle United ended a dismal five-match losing streak by securing a vital 3-1 Premier League victory over European hopefuls Brighton at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side began the day languishing in the lower reaches of the table after a dreadful run of domestic form.

However, the Magpies capitalised on crucial moments to ease mounting pressure and climb to 13th in the standings.

Will Osula opened the scoring against the run of play in the 12th minute following an uncharacteristic mistake by visiting goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Burn strikes against former club

The hosts doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Dan Burn powered a header into the net.

It was a particularly sweet moment for the towering defender as he punished his former employers.

Brighton had arrived in the North East boasting a five-game unbeaten streak but struggled to convert their early dominance into goals.

Late Barnes strike seals vital points

Jack Hinshelwood offered the Seagulls a lifeline when he reduced the deficit shortly after the hour mark.

The strike sparked inevitable anxiety among the home supporters, whose team had recently developed a damaging habit of surrendering winning positions.

Those nerves were almost realised when former Tyneside winger Yankuba Minteh squandered a glorious opportunity to snatch a dramatic equaliser for the visitors.

Substitute Harvey Barnes finally extinguished any lingering doubts by firing home a decisive third goal deep into stoppage time.

The result serves as a significant blow to the south coast club’s continental ambitions, dropping them to seventh in the table with the possibility of falling further.