NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England (Interstat) — Dan Burn delivered a goal and an assist and Newcastle United opened its Premier League season with a 3-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday at St James’ Park.

William Osula put Newcastle ahead in the 12th minute, finishing a chance created by Burn’s assist. Burn then doubled the lead in the 24th minute, scoring unassisted to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage at halftime. Brighton pulled one back in the 61st minute when substitute Jack Hinshelwood found the net, with an assist from Jan Paul van Hecke, who had entered the match as a substitute. But Newcastle sealed the win in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time when Harvey Barnes scored, assisted by Sandro Tonali.

The victory gave Newcastle a 1-0 record in both the Premier League and all competitions this season. Brighton fell to 0-1 in league play and across all competitions.

Discipline marred the contest for both sides. Brighton’s Joël Veltman received a yellow card in the 22nd minute, followed by Kaoru Mitoma in the 39th minute. Newcastle’s Burn was cautioned in the 53rd minute, and Tonali in the 85th. Brighton’s Yoane Wissa was booked in the 87th minute, and van Hecke received a yellow card in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.

Burn, a defender, was the standout performer with one goal and one assist. Osula, a forward, scored the opening goal. Barnes, a midfielder, added the late insurance goal. Hinshelwood, a substitute, pulled Brighton within one. On the assist side, Tonali provided for Barnes, while van Hecke, Mitoma, Veltman and Wissa each recorded an assist for Brighton, though the visitors’ only goal came from Hinshelwood’s finish.

The match was the first of the season for both clubs in the English top flight. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s side controlled large stretches of play, particularly in the first half, while Brighton struggled to generate consistent attacking threats until after the break. Brighton’s possession and passing accuracy improved in the second period, and Hinshelwood’s goal briefly gave the visitors hope of a comeback. But Newcastle’s defense, anchored by Burn, held firm in the closing minutes.

Brighton’s attack was led by Mitoma and Wissa, both of whom earned assists but could not find the net themselves. The Seagulls had several set-piece opportunities in the second half but failed to convert. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope made several key saves to preserve the lead, while Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen was beaten three times.

The game drew a capacity crowd at St James’ Park, with Newcastle supporters celebrating a season-opening win after a busy summer transfer window. The Magpies added depth to their squad, and the contributions from players such as Burn and Osula reflected the team’s new balance.

Brighton’s loss extended a frustrating trend for manager Roberto De Zerbi’s side, which struggled to finish chances. The Seagulls created six shots on target but only Hinshelwood’s effort found the back of the net. Newcastle, in contrast, was clinical, scoring on three of its five shots on goal.

The match saw four different goal scorers for Newcastle, highlighting the team’s offensive versatility. Burn’s goal was particularly notable for a defender who often pushes forward on set pieces. Osula’s opener came from a well-worked team move, and Barnes’ stoppage-time strike ensured a comfortable margin.

Brighton’s van Hecke and Veltman each played significant roles in defense despite their yellow cards, but the back line could not contain Newcastle’s multiple attacking threats.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Newcastle United 1, Brighton & Hove 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Brighton with a 75.40 percent probability to win.