THE NOTEBOOK: Brighton and Newcastle already eyeing European away days, Pascal Gross gets long-awaited Germany call-up and Solly March is out to prove a point to Gareth Southgate
THE NOTEBOOK: Brighton and Newcastle are already looking forward to European challenges, Pascal Gross gets the much-anticipated call-up for Germany and Solly March wants to prove a point to Gareth Southgate
- Brighton continued their strong start to the Premier League season by winning 3–1
- 18-year-old Evan Ferguson scored his first hat-trick in Premier League football
- Callum Wilson was late in pulling a consolation for Newcastle United
Evan Ferguson’s first Premier League hat-trick secured an excellent 3-1 win for Brighton at home to Newcastle.
18-year-old Irish striker Ferguson opened the scoring for the Seagulls after England goalkeeper Nick Pope spilled a powerful effort from Billy Gilmour straight into his path.
Brighton made good use of the lead and Ferguson secured a second midway through the second half with a nice curling effort of 25 yards into the bottom corner.
Ferguson provided the icing on the cake with a deflected effort from Fabian Schar and, despite a late consolation from Callum Wilson, ensured all three points remained on the south coast.
Mail Sport’s IAN WINROW takes a look at some things you may have missed at the Amex.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson left the Amex with the match ball after his first league hat-trick
Ferguson proved to be a thorn in Newcastle’s side throughout the match, taking each of his goals well
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have lost three in their first four games this Premier League season
Brighton and Newcastle are looking forward to European challenges
A trip to the south coast used to be the farthest possible thing for Newcastle fans traveling to watch their team in recent years – but not anymore.
Toon supporters made the 700-mile round trip a day after discovering where their journey would take them when the Magpies return to Europe.
Exciting trips to Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan await in the group stage of the Champions League.
And Brighton fans have also spent the last 24 hours digging out their passports and planning Europa League trips to Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens during the Seagulls’ first-ever European campaign.
Newcastle fans hope their side will pick up their form ahead of the Champions League
Pascal Gross finally gets his call-up for Germany
Good things are coming for those who wait – or at least for Pascal Gross.
The Brighton midfielder has been one of the club’s most consistent players in the six years since joining from FC Ingolstadt.
And finally, at the age of 32, he was rewarded with a first call-up to the German squad this week.
Pascal Gross from Brighton has been called up for the German squad by manager Hansi Flick
Gareth Southgate overlooks Solly March
Gross’s teammate Solly March was not so lucky with the winger being overlooked by England boss Gareth Southgate.
The 29-year-old looked to have a point to prove, narrowly widening an early shot before forcing Newcastle keeper Nick Pope into a hasty save.
Meanwhile, Solly March was overlooked by Gareth Southgate in his recent England squad
Amex DJ gives a warm welcome to Fati and Baleba
Brighton’s new signings Ansu Fati and Carlos Baleba don’t have their own chants yet – but they will soon if the Amex Stadium DJ has anything to do with it.
The sound of Bad Manners’ “Lip Up Fatty” and The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” echoed through the stadium speakers before the two players were introduced to the home fans before kickoff.
Championship league? You laugh!’
The most predictable song of the afternoon?
The sound of ‘Champions League, you’re laughing’ shortly after Evan Ferguson shot Brighton into a two-goal lead.