Brighton’s bid for European football next season suffered a small setback as they lost 4-1 to Newcastle at St James’ Park last night.

Roberto De Zerbi made four changes to the side which beat Arsenal 3-0 on Sunday with Deniz Undav, Facundo Buonanotte, Danny Welbeck and Jan Paul Van Hecke came in for Evan Ferguson, Julio Enciso, Levi Colwill and Alexis Mac Allister.

However, Undav who was making only his fourth start in the Premier League, had a moment to forget in the 22nd minute as he nodded Kieran Trippier’s corner into the net.

Things got a whole lot tougher for the Seagulls on the stroke of half time. Again it came from a set-piece, as Trippier’s delivery from a free-kick picked out former Brighton defender Dan Burn who headed home from close range.

Albion pulled a goal back six minutes into the second half as Billy Gilmour pinpoint pass from his own half picked out the run of Undav, who then calmly slotted the ball past Nick Pope.

But late on as the Seagulls pushed for an equaliser, Newcastle sealed the win as Miguel Almiron broke free of a couple of challenges and set Callum Wilson clean through on goal and he tucked his effort past Jason Steele, to score his 18th goal of the season, 11 of which have come in his last ten appearances.

The Magpies soon extended their lead as Wilson raced through again but after being closely tracked by Albion Skipper Lewis Dunk, the striker laid the ball off to Bruno Guimaraes who slotted the ball home to make it 4-1

But just why did things go wrong for De Zerbi’s men?

Well what was evidence from Albion’s display at St James’s Park was that fatigue and their hectic schedule is catching up with them.

This was their 12 game in just 47 days in all competitions.

Add to this De Zerbi has lost key players such as Solly March, Adam Webster and Joel Veltman to injury in recent week, Brighton’s squad depth is being well and truly tested

You only have to look at the bench to see four of the substitutes are players who have been regulars for the U23’s this season.

From the kick off, Brighton looked leggy, sloppy in possession and as those their mammoth efforts this season were starting to take their toll.

For example Pervis Estupinan is usually known for his stamina and his ability to charge up and down the left wing. However, for the majority of the game he like so many of Albion players looked in desperate need of a rest.

So what does the defeat mean for Brighton’s hopes of European football?

Well their fate is still in their own hands as despite the defeat to Newcastle, the Seagulls remain sixth and one point ahead of both Tottenham and Aston Villa with a game in hand.

Next up for Brighton they return to home comforts as they host already relegated Southampton on Sunday (2pm kick off).

Meanwhile Spurs host Brentford in the lunchtime kick off on Saturday, whilst Villa face the tough task of travelling to Anfield to take on an in-form Liverpool side who have won their last seven matches, scoring 20 goals in the process.

Albion will now be looking for a similar response to their heavy defeat to Everton when they entertain the Saints and take another huge step towards securing the club’s first ever European campaign.