Brighton boss De Zerbi hails Newcastle as one of the best

Despite the frustration of last week’s 3-1 loss to West Ham, Albion’s boss was happy with the performance in parts and wants his team to go again this afternoon.

Newcastle thrashed Aston Villa 5-1 on the opening day before a 1-0 loss to champions Manchester City and a late collapse to lose 2-1 to ten-man Liverpool last week.

De Zerbi hailed them as “one of the best teams in the Premier League” after their fourth placed finish last season.

March appeals after a shot is cleared off the line against Newcastle last season

He also said striker Danny Welbeck will be out with a muscle injury.

Asked what he wanted to see from his players after last week, De Zerbi said: “To play the ball, to press and to show our quality.  

“If we speak about results, then also against West Ham we played well, we played with our DNA. We didn’t lose our DNA and we didn’t lose our qualities. But we made too many mistakes to win. Not because we conceded three goals but also because we didn’t score when we had the opportunity. We have to find the balance between the chance to score and the chance to concede. 

“Tonali, Joelinton, Gordon, Almiron. They are one of the best teams in the Premier League.”

“West Ham and Newcastle play in a totally different way. Newcastle play with high intensity. West Ham play in the last 30 metres. It is two different games but both difficult.

“Danny Welbeck can't play. He's not available. He has a muscular injury but it's not so bad the situation. And then we are in a good condition.”

New signings Ansu Fati and Carlos Baleba will not be ready until after the international break on September 16.

Albion drew with Newcastle 0-0 in their home fixture last August and were beaten 4-1 at St James’ Park in May.

The Seagulls conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 in their friendly against Eddie Howe’s side during the pre-season tour of the USA.

The teams face off this afternoon at 5.30pm.