Newcastle United endured a miserable Boxing Day.
Despite taking the lead against Nottingham Forest through Alexander Isak’s first-half penalty, Chris Wood struck an unlikely hat-trick as the visitors sealed a comeback win.
It was a performance Alan Shearer labelled “shocking” and one that should cause major concern. Newcastle’s home form has been excellent this season and covered for some pitiful away form, so losing so convincingly at St James’ Park raises the alarm about where this season might go.
After going out of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup in quick succession before losing to Luton before Christmas, it would be fair to say the wheels are threatening to come off in the Premier League too.
Indeed, Kieran Trippier admitted standards had slipped after the game.
Kieran Trippier: Newcastle star makes startling admission after Nottingham Forest game
Speaking to Amazon Prime, the England international admitted as much following the full-time whistle.
“We have been playing two games a week, week after week and some players aren’t used to that. My standards have dropped,” he said.
“I’m old enough to speak about myself and my standards have been nowhere near. I’ve faced enough set backs in my career to know I can bounce back.”
Newcastle news: Trippier not the only one underperforming
Trippier has broadly been excellent since his £12m move to Newcastle in January 2022.
Still, that does not make him immune to criticism and his mistakes against Everton and Chelsea speak of a player running on empty at the moment.
He’s also not the only player to have struggled of late. Miguel Almiron continues to frustrate, while questions have been asked about Martin Dubravka, too.
While the Sunderland game in the FA Cup looks a banana skin given how poor Newcastle have been on the road this season, perhaps it can offer something of a restart for Howe’s team.
Win that convincingly and soak in the adoration and perhaps morale will be lifted again.
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