The biggest cheer at St James’ Park on Saturday evening was in the 82nd minute when Andy Carroll was introduced from the bench for his second Newcastle United debut.
Every Toon fan in the ground stood to applaud the Geordie and prayed he would get a late winner for his side.
The closest he came to that magical moment was a cross from fellow substitute Allan Saint-Maximan – that was cleared just before it could reach the head of the former Liverpool striker.
Apart from this both Joelinton and Carroll had scraps to feed off. Carroll coming off the bench was the only positive from an insipid performance by Newcastle.
The Toon lacked both creativity and defensive organisation, and Brighton will feel aggrieved that they did not leave the North East with all three points.
Players were seen during the first half telling Steve Bruce that the plan wasn’t working, and boos rang around the ground at half time – the first time this has happened since Steve McClaren was in charge.
The official attendance was around 43,000, but the crowd was much lower than that with lots of fed up Newcastle fans choosing to stay away from games until Mike Ashley leaves.
The Atmosphere was flat, and no one in black and white did anything to change that.
The fact a substitution was the biggest positive from the game shows what sort of position Newcastle find themselves in.
There was no plan Newcastle didn’t know if they wanted to play on the counter or try to be on the front foot.
They barely strung three passes together, and it was not until Carroll came off the bench that Newcastle looked like a threat.
Next up is Leicester City away and there will need to be an immense improvement if they are to come away with anything from the King Power Stadium.