Kieran Trippier called it the ‘perfect preparation’ for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final as Newcastle United picked up three points and avoided any further injury issues in Monday’s 1-0 win over West Ham United. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe hailed the east London victory as one of the ‘biggest of the season’.
Both statements are true as Newcastle, as a collective, overcame a tricky away trip in a professional manner – even if they weren’t at their best. On a personal level, it was an impressive showing from Trippier himself – with the right-back scooping Chronicle Live’s Man of the Match in the post-game player ratings.
The right-back was already looking a shoo-in to start at Wembley this weekend given United’s injury worries but Monday’s display was a further reminder of Trippier’s importance in this side. While there was some solid moments in defence – in particular stopping Mohamed Kudus storming towards goal – and with the ball at his feet in attack, it was another evening where the veteran’s leadership was on show.
As Sandro Tonali hit the ground with an apparent knee issue in the first-half, Trippier was straight over to ensure the Italian had suffered no lasting damage. In the second period, there was a firm high five with Harvey Barnes as he exited the pitch after a much-needed solid showing, topped off with an assist.
These are just a few of the subtle, micro-moments of leadership that sets Trippier apart from his co-stars. If you watch closely, you can pick out more on any given day. He may no longer wear the captain’s armband but he is the most attentive, demanding and vocal player in Newcastle’s lineup on most occasions.
It is worth remembering Newcastle’s 2023 Carabao Cup heartache as they were beaten at Wembley by Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. The Red Devils’ dressing room back then housed Casemiro, Raphael Varane, David de Gea and other experienced stars who have been there and done it on the biggest of stages.
This time around Liverpool possess similar experience. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and others who have lifted Europe’s greatest competition and the Premier League.
Back in 2023, and still to this day, Trippier stands alone as the only real Newcastle star who has led his club and country into finals and challenged, regularly, for league titles. That is if you disregard Loris Karius’ infamous Champions League final appearance…
That sort of know-how is vital and Trippier provides it in abundance. It is one of the main reasons Howe has fought tooth and nail to keep the 34-year-old on Tyneside despite interest from Bayern Munich, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in the last 14 months.
“We love the players we have. But Kieran is unique, there is no one who can do what he can do,” the Newcastle boss said last month. “Set-play delivery, passing ability and his overall leadership is unique.”
Trippier is reaching the business end of his career but will fancy one more Wembley highlight. Perhaps this weekend will prove he was right to stay at Newcastle despite recent interest in his services.
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