Evan Ferguson returned to the Brighton starting line-up as they secured a battling 1-0 win against Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Danny Welbeck’s fifth goal of the season snatched a smash-and-grab victory at Newcastle as Brighton banked another three Premier League points. Welbeck’s 35th-minute strike came decidedly against the run of play as the Magpies dominated much of the game but were made to pay for not taking their chances.

Brighton & Hove Albion will await the results of a scan after Danny Welbeck was taken off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a back injury during the win over Newcastle United. Welbeck, 33, appeared to take a knee to his lower back in an aerial challenge with Newcastle defender Fabian Schar late in the second half at St James’ Park.

The home side started strongly, Anthony Gordon giving Lewis Dunk nightmares cutting in from the left, and Alexander Isak missed a gilt-edged early opportunity.

Danny Welbeck's first-half strike handed Brighton & Hove Albion a backs-to-the-wall 1-0 win at Newcastle United as Fabian Hurzeler's side moved up to fifth in the Premier League.

Danny Welbeck had to be stretched off the pitch at St James Park following what appears to be a serious injury.