Brighton edge Newcastle

Brighton edged out Newcastle United to record their second succeeding Premier League victory.

The hosts racked up when Pascal Gross’ free-kick was goinged back across goal by Dale Stephens as well as Tomer Hemed hooked the round in from six yards out.

Newcastle, that had won their previous three league matches, had chances, however Mikel Merino’s battery was pushed broad by Floor covering Ryan, Joselu twice missed out on when well placed, and replacement Jonjo Shelvey hit a post direct from an edge.

Victory lifted the Seagulls to 13th in the table, while Newcastle went down to ninth.

This was a meeting of the teams that finished in the top-two spots in the champion last period, with Newcastle winning the title by one factor on the final day.

Both teams will certainly be pleased with just how they have carried out in the opening six video games at the greater level.

Brighton have seven points, two fewer than Newcastle, that have actually won three as well as shed 3, although Magpies boss Benitez will feel this was a missed out on opportunity.

In just the 2nd minute, Merino’s shot from outside the area brought a great save from Ryan and Joselu – that took part a ₤ 5m action from Stoke in August – two times should have done better but poked vast from 6 yards out after that glimpsed a header off target.

After Brighton took the lead in the 51st min, they had a chance to double their advantage, yet Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot generated a great conserve to reject Solly March.

The away side controlled from that factor on, but Benitez’s side was frustrated by a robust Brighton protection.