
Danny Welbeck’s first-half goal proved decisive as Brighton condemned Newcastle to their first Premier League defeat at home since January.
The result lifts the Seagulls up to fifth in the table with the Magpies remaining in eighth.
Brighton had spent most of the opening period defending when Welbeck’s quick thinking made the difference.
The former England forward, who turns 34 next month, played a clever one-two with Georginio Rutter before placing the ball in the bottom right corner with the visitors’ first effort on goal of the afternoon.
Welbeck, who was withdrawn on a stretcher late on after appearing to injure his back, has now scored five goals in eight appearances in the top flight this term.
However, Brighton’s victory was also down to some resilient defending and profligate finishing from the hosts.
Eddie Howe’s side carved out several promising openings with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both going close but they were unable to find a way past visiting goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
Continued Welbeck renaissance boosts Brighton
While all the pre-match focus was on the return of Newcastle’s talismanic striker Isak from injury, another centre forward, Welbeck, underlined his importance to Brighton.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker would undoubtedly have collected more than the 42 caps he holds for his country if it were not for a catalogue of injuries hampering him during his prime.
However, Welbeck, who, is – unusually – a couple of years older than his manager Fabian Hurzeler, is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal as he enters the twilight of his career.
If you were to simply deduct his contributions in the opposition penalty area this season, Brighton would be seven points worse off, hovering above the bottom three.
Instead they are rubbing shoulders with sides with far bigger budgets who are chasing Champions League positions.
Brighton’s steely defensive effort was also encapsulated late in the game as Lewis Dunk and Pervis Estupinan combined superbly to snuff out the danger posed when the ball reached Miguel Almiron eight yards from their goal.