‘Job done’, says Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter

The Seagulls drew 0-0 at The Amex against Newcastle tonight (Monday, July 20) and now sit on 38 points - mathematically confirming their top division status with one game left to play of the season.

Brighton manager Graham Potter said: “I think the point is the most important thing. At this stage of the season we can talk about performances but it’s about getting the points you need.

“It wasn’t a classic by any stretch. I’m so proud of how the players have responded to the lockdown period and how we’ve approached these games.

“Job done. I’m very proud to be in the Premier League next season.

“We’ve learned a lot. It’s been a unique season in what we’ve had to deal with. It’s been a challenge. We’ve come through, we’re together and we can start planning for next season. It’s always tricky, the transition from one manager to another.

“We need time to settle down and analyse what we’ve done. Post-lockdown we haven’t played as well but we’ve got the points we needed.”

The match was limited to few clear cut chances, with Newcastle defending in numbers and Brighton unable to move the ball quick enough to find holes in their orange-clad opposition’s defence.

The first chance of the match, and of the half, fell to Pascal Gross who, after some good work on the left wing from Leandro Trossard, struck an effort which went the wrong side of Martin Dubravka’s post.

Maty Ryan was called into action almost immediately in the second half after being forced to get down quickly at his near post and palm a Miguel Almiron effort to safety.

Newcastle came again, this time through Matt Ritchie whose cross-cum-shot flew across the face of the Brighton goal, but the strike was neither on target nor finished off by an attacker.

Brighton showed some signs of breaking the deadlock after sharp interplay between Solly March, Trossard and Neal Maupay saw the latter take on a left-footed shot inside the Newcastle box, which was blocked well by a defender.

Adam Webster went close in the 75th minute after hitting a good effort from long range but Dubravka saved well - albeit making the most of it - by tipping the ball over the bar.

The resulting corner saw Lewis Dunk knock a header down for Trossard, but the ball wouldn’t drop quickly enough for the Belgian to get his effort on target.

Andy Carroll came on in the final stages of the game and ruffled some feathers.

The Englishman clattered into Webster, dragged Dan Burn down and nearly snuck in round the back from a corner to head home but Shane Duffy did enough to put the striker off.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said “That’s our 10th game in 35 days. We have got a lot of tired bodies. We can’t rotate like some others can. Andy Carroll is beating himself up, he knows he should have scored the winner.

“I let other people reflect on that [how the season has gone]. It’s been difficult for everyone concerned with everything that’s gone on. We’ve done OK [this season]. I would have taken 44 points. I think we were safe when we beat Southampton in March.

“In every interview for 15 weeks I’ve been asked the same thing [about the takeover delay]. We need a bit of clarity. Until then I’ll go to work and see the CEO and plan for the summer. That’s all we can do. It’s frustrating.”

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