EPL: Brighton edge closer to Premier League safety with Newcastle draw

Brighton’s Pascal Gross celebrates scoring the equaliser - TobyMelville/Reuters/TheGuardian

Chris Hughton thought struggling Brighton had secured their Premier League status but Glenn Murray's late miss against Newcastle means his side must wait at least another week to find out their fate.


Having fought their way back into the match when Pascal Gross headed in to cancel out Ayoze Perez's opener, the Seagulls striker looked odds-on to snatch the winner with minutes remaining.

However, Murray headed over from no more than four yards out.

BT 1 - 1 NC - As posted... 👇👇

⏰ It ends all square!#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/CFRLAAaOSJ

— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) April 27, 2019

With two games of the season left, the Seagulls are 17th, a place and four points ahead of Cardiff with a daunting trip to Arsenal next Sunday.

The Bluebirds, who lost to Fulham earlier and have an inferior goal difference, will be relegated if they lose to Crystal Palace a day earlier.

Pascal Gross heads past Dubravka - HenryBrowne/Getty/TheGuardian

"When Murray had that opportunity at the end, I thought we'd done it," said Brighton boss Hughton.

"We hope that [Gross'] goal has made a big difference, but we can't afford to think that way.

We have to think Cardiff are capable of winning their last two games and we must go to Arsenal thinking we have to get something."