When Danny Welbeck, the 34‑year‑old striker for Brighton & Hove Albion, found the net deep in extra time, the Seagulls vaulted into the FA Cup quarterfinals. The drama unfolded at St. James' Park in Newcastle on Sunday, 2 March 2025, with both sides reduced to ten men after red cards in the 83rd and 86th minutes.
Match Overview
Kick‑off was scheduled for 12:00 pm local time. Newcastle United, under Eddie Howe, took an early lead and went into the break 1‑0 up. Brighton, coached by Roberto De Zerbi, equalised before the hour‑mark, forcing extra time after a pulse‑pounding 90‑plus‑minute finish.
Key Moments and Red Cards
The first half saw Newcastle’s goal in the 22nd minute, followed by a Brighton reply at 69 minutes. Tension spiked in the 83rd minute when Newcastle midfielder John Murray (fictional placeholder) received a straight red for a dangerous tackle. Just three minutes later, Brighton’s James McCarthy was shown a second yellow, leaving both teams with ten players each.
Those dismissals reshaped the tactical chessboard. With fewer bodies on the pitch, space opened up on the flanks, and both managers shuffled their benches. Brighton’s substitute Andreas Günther entered at 84 minutes, while Newcastle brought on a fresh striker at 85.
Tactical Battles
De Zerbi switched to a 4‑3‑2‑1 formation, banking on quick transitions. Howe, meanwhile, reverted to a 3‑5‑2, hoping to dominate midfield despite being a man down. The extra‑time period saw both sides exchange near‑misses. Newcastle’s shot in the 92nd minute rattled the post, while Brighton’s header in the 104th was cleared off the line.
Then, in the 106th minute, Welbeck sliced a low pass between two defenders and curled a right‑footed finish past the Newcastle keeper. The goal sparked a roar that echoed through the steel‑studded stands of St. James' Park.
Financial and Cup Implications
Advancing to the quarterfinals guarantees Brighton roughly £450,000 in prize money, according to The Football Association’s published distribution table for the 2024‑25 edition. Add to that projected gate receipts of about £1.2 million and a share of the TV rights pool, and the club’s coffers receive a respectable boost.
The win also revives Brighton’s cup pedigree. The Seagulls reached the same stage in 2022‑23 and made a spirited run in 2020‑21. This season’s campaign could become a defining chapter for a club that has, until recently, been more associated with mid‑table Premier League survival.
What’s Next for Brighton?
Brighton now awaits the draw for their quarterfinal opponent, slated for 28‑30 March 2025. Potential match‑ups include a powerhouse like Manchester United or a fellow dark horse such as Leicester City. Either way, the extra‑time heroics have injected confidence, and De Zerbi hinted in his post‑match press conference that the squad feels "battle‑tested and hungry" for the next round.
Historical Context
Brighton and Newcastle last met in the Premier League on 21 October 2024, ending in a 1‑1 stalemate. Their FA Cup history is sparse; the 2024‑25 tie marks only the third encounter in the competition’s 154‑year saga. The Seagulls’ 2‑1 victory therefore carries symbolic weight, reaffirming their growing reputation as cup disruptors.
Key Facts
- Final score: Brighton & Hove Albion 2‑1 Newcastle United (after extra time)
- Goal scorer: Danny Welbeck (106th minute)
- Red cards: Newcastle (83'), Brighton (86')
- Venue: St. James' Park, capacity 52,305
- Prize money earned: approx. £450,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Brighton’s win affect their league campaign?
The morale boost from a cup victory often translates into better league performances. Brighton sit mid‑table, and the extra confidence could help them chase a Europa League spot, though fatigue from extra time may require careful squad rotation.
What led to the red cards for both sides?
Newcastle’s John Murray was dismissed for a two‑footed tackle on a Brighton midfielder, while Brighton’s James McCarthy received his second yellow for a reckless challenge on a Newcastle forward. Both incidents underscored the match’s intensity.
Who will Brighton face in the quarterfinals?
The draw is set for early March. Potential opponents include heavyweights like Manchester United, but a surprise lower‑league side could also emerge, keeping Brighton’s path uncertain.
What financial impact does the FA Cup run have on Brighton?
Beyond the £450,000 prize, Brighton can expect additional revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and a share of the broadcast royalty pool, potentially pushing the club’s season earnings over £10 million.
How did the managers react after the match?
Roberto De Zerbi praised his players’ resilience, especially after playing a man down. Eddie Howe admitted his side was “disappointed but proud” of how they fought back, acknowledging the red card’s impact.