Isak’s Ice-Cool Spot-Kick Saves Newcastle in VAR-Soaked Draw at Brighton

Newcastle United left the south coast with a share of the spoils after Alexander Isak rifled home his 27th goal of a remarkable campaign from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, cancelling out Yankuba Minteh’s first-half strike in a frantic 1-1 encounter at the Amex Stadium. The result stretches the Magpies’ run to nine Premier League visits to Brighton without a win, yet crucially preserves their Champions League push: Eddie Howe’s men now sit level on 63 points with Chelsea—identical even on goal difference—ahead of a heavyweight clash at St James’ Park next Sunday.

The second half descended into penalty chaos. Referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot three times in 22 minutes, but VAR overturned the first two: Tariq Lamptey’s trip on Anthony Gordon began a stud’s width outside the box, while Joe Willock was booked for simulation after minimal contact from Jan Paul van Hecke. When Brighton substitute Yasin Ayari handled Fabian Schär’s free-kick, there was no reprieve; Isak, perfect from five penalties this season, hammered high to Bart Verbruggen’s right.

Earlier, 20-year-old winger Minteh—sold by Newcastle last summer—became only the fourth African aged under 21 to reach double-figure Premier League goal involvements this season (six goals, four assists) when his deflected drive off Dan Burn wrong-footed Martin Dúbravka on 28 minutes. Brighton, tenth and still eyeing a Europa Conference League berth, almost stole it late when Diego Gómez nodded wide, before Verbruggen’s fingertip save denied Callum Wilson. Possession finished almost even, yet Brighton’s 1.7 expected-goal tally shaded Newcastle’s 1.4 in a contest decided by fractions.

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