Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon.
Brighton striker Tomer Hemed (L) vies with Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden
Newcastle United’s winning run came to an end this afternoon as they were beaten 1-0 away at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Magpies went into the game having picked up three wins in a row over West Ham United, Swansea City and Stoke City, propelling Rafael Benitez’s men up the Premier League table.
Benitez was hoping for a repeat of Newcastle’s 2-1 win at the Amex Stadium back in February, but the Magpies slipped to a third defeat of the season.
Aaron Mooy of Huddersfield Town moves away from Isaac Hayden
Israeli striker Tomer Hemed struck what proved to be the winning goal in the second half, leaving Newcastle to make the long trip back to Tyneside with no points after a frustrating afternoon.
A number of players struggled against the Seagulls, with the likes of Ayoze Perez and Joselu both misfiring in front of goal – but fans have singled out Isaac Hayden for his poor performance.
The ex-Arsenal youngster, 22, was a regular in the Championship last season, and despite Jonjo Shelvey’s return from suspension, he has kept his place in midfield alongside Mikel Merino.
Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United tackles Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur
However, fans now believe that Benitez has to drop Hayden, preferably in favour of Shelvey, after he failed to make an impact against Brighton.
Supporters branded Hayden ‘absolutely terrible’, ‘hopeless’ and ‘shocking’, with others comparing him to Jack Colback whilst asking questions over his suitability for the Premier League.
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