Kieran Trippier did not start for Newcastle United on Sunday for the third Premier League game in a row.
The 33-year-old was an unused substitute at St James’ Park, as a below par Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1.
It was not a brilliant performance, but the Magpies were able to snatch victory. Eddie Howe set his team up to play on the counter, and it worked perfectly.
On the balance of play, Spurs were the better team. They created a lot of chances, with Ange Postecoglou admitting that Tottenham’s performance did not match the result.
What Kieran Trippier was doing for Newcastle despite not playing against former club Tottenham
Newcastle had to really dig in and fight for victory, with Eddie Howe’s tactical approach helping his side get over the line.
But they also had some added help from Kieran Trippier, who did his best to play a part in Newcastle’s win despite not being on the pitch.
As substitutes do, Trippier trotted down the touchline towards the Leazes End to warm up in the second half. He would have been hoping to come on, despite Tino Livramento playing so well at right-back.
But while Trippier was out there warming up, he was also barking out orders. There was an instance in the second half when he was clearly trying to convey a message to his teammates, as Spurs prepared to take a free-kick in a dangerous area.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
The defender was desperately telling one of his teammates to lie down behind the wall to create a long barrier, just in case Tottenham tried to put their free-kick underneath the wall.
Trippier was trying so hard to get his message across that he was even stood on the pitch, attempting to get as close as possible despite being a long way away. Tottenham boss Ange Postececoglou caught wind of this, and pleaded with the England international to at least stand on the right side of the white line.
In the end, the free-kick missed the target, and Trippier could relax.
But it is moments like this that prove why he still has such an important role to play, despite no longer being a guaranteed starter and seeing Bruno Guimaraes leapfrog him to become Newcastle captain.
Even without the armband, Trippier is a leader. He is a pivotal voice, and will be vitally important for Eddie Howe moving forwards.
Kieran Trippier has been linked with a move to Turkey
During the summer, it looked likely that Trippier was going to depart St James’ Park. Trippier even asked to leave Newcastle, despite Eddie Howe wanting to keep him.
But the manager got his wish, and Trippier is still a Newcastle United player.
However, even though the Premier League’s transfer window has closed, there is still a chance for Trippier to go.
Going into the game against Tottenham, he was linked with a move to Turkey, where the transfer window is still open until September 18th.
However, the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has stated on X that there is nothing in the rumours that Trippier could leave Newcastle United to join Eyupspor.
The only other possibility for Trippier to leave is Saudi Arabia, but their transfer window closes today (September 2nd).