Hurzeler says Brighton fans can ‘dream’ of Wembley after huge FA Cup win at Newcastle

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler says South Coast fans can dream of making an appearance at Wembley in the FA Cup.

The Seagulls overcame Newcastle at St James’ Park to book their place in the quarter-finals, courtesy of an extra-time Danny Welbeck strike.

It was a feisty affair, with both Tariq Lamptey and Anthony Gordon being sent off.

But it was Brighton who had the drive to go on and win, meaning they are now one game away from Wembley.

Speaking after the game, he said: “It was a very emotional game. Lots of ups and downs. The key was we stayed together, we stayed calm, we tried to find solutions.

“They had a big chance hitting the post, but then I thought we were controlling the game. The penalty was out of nowhere. We played with a lot of courage, we had some small chances and then after we conceded we showed a brilliant reaction.

“We focused on our solutions, staying clam. In the second half we were very dominant. We suffered a little bit when we received the red card, but overall it was a great performance.

🗣️ “He’s a great leader, a great role model and a great player.”

Fabian Hürzeler on what Danny Welbeck brings to the team.#ITVFootball | #NEWBHA | 🎙️ @gabrielclarke05 pic.twitter.com/0wTSzAg0HN

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 2, 2025

“We can only win something if we stay together and that’s what we must focus on. In football there is not a lot of momentum, but we have to understand why it’s like this at the moment. It is important to stay grounded and keep doing the basic things.

“They [fans] can dream, and we can work.”

Goalscorer Welbeck got the winner when Brighton beat Newcastle in the Premier League earlier this season.

And his deft chip to win the game was reminiscent of his peak years, but the veteran forward was simply happy to get the winner.

He added:”It is nice to come here to St James’ Park, such a special atmosphere. The fans made it an amazing atmosphere – great to get the winner, again.

“I feel like we played well. We know when we come up against Newcastle that it’s going to be an intense game. They have some dangerous players with some great ability, and we have to match that, and we did that today and come out on top.

“When you’re on the bench you have to analyse the game and see where you can make a difference and today that’s what we did. You see Joao Pedro at the end struggling to run. He gave so much and I believe that’s what gave us the winner.”