Newcastle United returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, beating Brighton 3-1 at St James' Park in a result that breathed fresh life into their push for a top-six finish. Will Osula, Dan Burn, and Harvey Barnes all got on the scoresheet for the Magpies, who ended a difficult run of league form in exactly the way they needed to — with a home win in front of a crowd that has been willing them to find their groove again. Brighton pulled one back through Jack Hinshelwood, but it was never more than a consolation. Eddie Howe's side look like a team that has rediscovered what makes them dangerous, and the timing could not be better.
Osula and Burn Set the Tone
Will Osula opened the scoring with a sharp finish that rewarded the hard pressing Newcastle put in early in the first half. The young striker, who has been used more regularly in recent weeks, showed exactly the kind of directness and energy Howe wants from his forward line. Dan Burn then added a second from a set-piece — a header from a corner that went in off the post — and the match was effectively over as a contest before Brighton could reorganise. Harvey Barnes rounded off the scoring in the second half with a clinical left-footed effort that showed why Newcastle invested in him, tucking away a chance that he created partly through his own determination to get into a dangerous position.
What This Win Does for Newcastle
Beyond the three points, this was a performance that will restore some confidence after a run of Premier League defeats that had threatened to undo a significant amount of good work accumulated earlier in the campaign. Newcastle currently sit in the top six and are in contention for what could be a Champions League qualifying spot depending on outcomes in European competition. Alexander Isak, even when not on the scoresheet, continues to provide a constant threat that defenders cannot switch off against, and his intelligent movement helped create space for Osula's goal. The team looked more coherent, more urgent, and more like the side that had been producing such impressive football earlier in the season.
Brighton's Frustrating Afternoon
For Brighton, the afternoon offered little to build on. They fell behind early, were undone by a set-piece, and never truly threatened to get back into the match until the score was already beyond them. Fabian Hürzeler's side have had a decent campaign overall, but they will want to end the season in better shape than this performance suggested, particularly in terms of defensive structure and keeping their concentration from dead-ball situations.
Match facts: Newcastle United 3-1 Brighton | Venue: St James' Park | Date: Saturday 2 May 2026 | Goals: Osula, Burn, Barnes (Newcastle); Hinshelwood (Brighton) | Premier League Matchday 35
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