Evan Ferguson scored a hat-trick to show his incredible potential and help Brighton set the tone for another memorable Premier League season as they outgunned Newcastle.
After overachieving last season, both sides discovered their European groups this week, and Albion look considerably better situated than the Magpies to challenge near the top this time around.
Ferguson of the Republic of Ireland pounced from close range after keeper Nick Pope mishandled Billy Gilmour’s long-range shot.
The 18-year-old curled home a 25-yard beauty to make it 2-0 and then added another via a fantastic Fabian Schar deflection for his 10th Premier League goal and first hat-trick.
He is only the fourth player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick before the age of 19, joining Chris Bart-Williams, Rob Fowler, and Michael Owen.
Newcastle’s first effort on goal came in the 87th minute, and they scored in injury time when Callum Wilson raced down a long ball and fired home. However, it was far too late to make a comeback threat.
