Newcastle's Diame scores bizarre equaliser against Brighton
Brighton were leading the top-of-the-table clash through Glenn Murray's controversial penalty, given after Ciaran Clark was harshly adjudged to have pulled down the striker in the box.
But a freak goal by Mo Diame hauled Newcastle level nine minutes from time. The midfielder deflected the ball into the top corner after Christian Atsu's miskicked shot.
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Rafa Benitez says Newcastle deserved luck against Brighton
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Mo Diame was lucky to score Newcastle's equaliser
Then with a minute to go, Atsu raced down the left and crossed for substitute Ayoze Perez to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory and lift the Magpies back above Brighton at the summit.
Newcastle manager Benitez said: "It was difficult when you play against a good team and with the advantage of goal from penalty that wasn't, it was more difficult.
"A lot of things are against you, but the reaction of the team was good.
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Ayoze Perez bagged late goal for Newcaste
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"We were creating chances and you have to be pleased with the performance of everyone, on the pitch and off the bench.
"Watching the replay of the penalty he was pushing our player, you can't give a penalty in this type of game.
"But I think we created a lot of good situations before we got a little bit lucky. And Ayoze was calm and composed for the winner."