'This stadium' - Brighton boss makes big St James' Park claim after Newcastle United draw

Roberto De Zerbi hailed the St James’ Park atmosphere after his Brighton & Hove Albion side claimed a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.

With the sun shining and Wor Flags putting on a pre-match show for the Magpies’ final home game of the season, St James’ Park was electric come kick-off but Brighton soon tempered the noise when Joel Veltman opened the scoring in the 18th minute.

Sean Longstaff equalised in first-half stoppage time and despite Newcastle’s best efforts, they couldn’t find a winner in the second interval. While there was an air of disappointment for United come full-time, the same can’t be said for Brighton.

“I’m very pleased for the performance,” said De Zerbi. “We could’ve won the game, we could’ve lost the game. We played against one of the best teams in terms of physical condition in this moment. We played in a fantastic atmosphere and this stadium is fantastic.

“The level of difficulty of this game was high but we played in our style and ideas. We suffered in the second half in the last 25 minutes but this is because they changed players. Joelinton, Almiron and Barnes. They make a difference in every game. We suffered but we have to be proud.”

The draw put a slight dent in Newcastle’s hopes of finishing sixth. Destiny remains in their own hands but they may have to claim maximum points from away games at Manchester United and Brentford to see the job through.

But interestingly, Brighton could also have a say on the race with De Zerbi’s side playing both Chelsea and Man United at home next week.

De Zerbi said: “We have two more games at home two very tough games but we would like to finish in the top ten. It’s not a big result but it’s the first time we play in Europa League if you consider the injuries we have. I think finishing in the top ten would be a great result.

“Listen, we would like to make our fans happy in every situation because we can’t forget when we lost 4-0 away and they were nice with us in every situation, in wins, and defeats. We try our best, we played a good game [today].

"We are not in the best moment in my time for sure. But anyway, we have to fight we have to play as Brighton as Brighton, with courage and personality and I’m really pleased with that.”