Neal Maupay ends goal drought and pinpoints why Brighton battered Newcastle 3-0

Albion striker Neal Maupay hailed a 'massive win as Brighton pulled six points clear of the drop zone with a dominant 3-0 win over fellow relegation-battlers Newcastle.
Neal Maupay ends his goal drought against Newcastle at the Amex StadiumNeal Maupay ends his goal drought against Newcastle at the Amex Stadium
Neal Maupay ends his goal drought against Newcastle at the Amex Stadium

Steve Bruce’s visitors went into the game having won just two of their last 17 league matches and were unable to improve their fortunes, while Brighton recorded only their second league victory at the Amex Stadium this campaign.

Leandro Trossard’s curled opener put the home side ahead just before the break. Danny Welbeck then doubled Brighton’s lead with a well-struck shot into the corner six minutes into the second half, and Neal Maupay’s 68th-minute volley sealed all three points.

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It was Maupay's eighth of the season and his first for Brighton since his winner against Leeds on January 16.

The result leaves Newcastle just two points ahead of 18th-placed Fulham, although the Cottagers have played one game more.

"Massive win," said Maupay. "We knew before the game it was really important. Three goals, a clean sheet, a very good night for us.

"I'm really pleased [to end a goal drought]. I knew it was coming and I'm glad to be back on the scoresheet.

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"[We scored] very nice goals. We were ready for that game. Our gameplan was really good. Everyone knew what to do. When we play like that with confidence, we've got quality - we know that.

"Sometimes we only play one half but we played a full 90 minutes today. That's why we got the win.

"They hit the post a few minutes before the second goal. That was the turning point. I'm happy because this time it turned it our way and not theirs.

"Sometimes we play really well and haven't scored. Or we score and then concede too many goals. We just have to believe in ourselves and keep working hard.

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"Two wins in a row. Now we can have a little break and be ready for the end of the season.

"Before the game against Southampton we were a bit down but we can't complain or feel sorry for ourselves.

"It's just two wins in a row. We need to keep going."

Trossard also praised a fine team display and was delighted with his second goal in two matches following his winner against Southampton last time out.

"It was a great performance in every aspect. We can enjoy this one," said the Belgian international who has four Premier League goals this season.

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“I try to help the team with goals and assists, and I’m happy that it’s coming now. We played a really good game and it’s nice that we can score three and keep a clean sheet. It’s a really good feeling.

“The gaffer’s been here now for two years and we’ve learned a lot under him. This season we’ve played really good games.

"Obviously the results haven’t been there sometimes, but winning twice in a row is a really good feeling. We just need to keep going and trust in ourselves that we can win these games.”

On Maupay, Trossard added: “I’m really pleased for him, it’ll bring his confidence even higher now. Hopefully he can go on and score more goals.”