Newcastle fans have endured a tough 2025/26 Premier League season, but there's finally something to cheer about at St. James' Park. Eddie Howe's Magpies are looking to close out the campaign on a high note, racing to a commanding 2-0 lead over Brighton.

While European qualification remains a distant hope this term, Newcastle are proving they can still play spoiler. The Seagulls, fighting for a top-six finish, arrived on Tyneside with everything to play for—but they've been caught off guard by a determined home side.

The story of the first half? A familiar face coming back to bite his old club. Dan Burn, the towering defender who swapped Brighton for Newcastle and never looked back, rose highest to meet Bruno Guimarães' corner in the 24th minute. His header doubled the lead after William Osula had opened the scoring just 12 minutes earlier.

For Burn, this goal was a long time coming. It marked his first Premier League strike in over a year—a drought that felt even longer for a player who's been a rock at the back but rarely finds the scoresheet. Since leaving Brighton, Burn has gone on to experience Champions League nights and even earned an England call-up, making this moment all the more poetic.

Speaking of England, with the summer internationals on the horizon, could this goal be the statement Burn needs to book his ticket? Every little bit helps when you're fighting for a spot in the squad, and a goal against your former club certainly doesn't hurt your chances.