Opinion

We asked Sam Hepworth to give us his match ratings and player comments after Brighton 2 Newcastle 1.

Nick Pope 7

Continues his very good start to the season.

Given no chance with either goal and made some smart saves and swept really well behind his defence.

Kieran Trippier 6.5

A decent performance and in the final half hour or so when United began to get some control, Trippier was involved in most of the best attacking moves down the right.

Malick Thiaw 6

The central defenders did well overall but must share most of the blame for the opening goal. They drifted too far apart and gave Welback the space and opportunity for his admittedly top class finish.

I think Thiaw and Botman have done well as a partnership and not suggesting any change is made.

However, I am thinking that we miss Fabian Schar’s ability to pass long out of defence, as well as bringing the ball forward. I don’t think Thiaw is poor on the ball, just that Schar is so excellent with it.

Sven Botman 6

See Thiaw comments when it came to the defending today. Played well generally but not...