Anthony Knockaert the only spark in Newcastle and Brighton’s gloomy draw

A late contender for the worst game of 2017 illustrated just why a Newcastle United side without a home win since October will spend the first part of the New Year embroiled in a relegation skirmish. Brighton are far from safe but Chris Hughton looked somewhat happier than Rafael Benítez at the end of an afternoon when both sides could have been forgiven for wanting to turn back the clock and return to their former lives dominating last season’s Championship.

The first half was almost as messy as the remnants of Friday’s snow which had left Tyneside’s pavements covered by a deceptively treacherous half-frozen sludge. It might have been different had Anthony Knockaert been able to use his right foot properly. Brighton’s French winger – who was deployed down the right here – proved the best attacking player on show, but his side’s heavy dependence on his left foot slowed their game down at vital moments, frequently permitting Paul Dummett, Knockaert’s marker, to reassert himself.

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from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/dec/30/newcastle-brighton-premier-league-match-report