Newcastle United were rather ruthlessly knocked out of another cup on Tuesday night.
After taking a lead away at Chelsea in the Carabao Cup through Callum Wilson, the Blues scored late on to force the tie to a penalty shootout at Stamford Bridge, one they duly won.
While this is a team who win and lose together, it would be remiss not to mention Kieran Trippier.
The £12m star has struggled in recent weeks, making mistakes at Everton before being torn apart at Tottenham.
It was Trippier who dawdled when attempting to clear a late cross against Chelsea, allowing Mykhailo Mudryk to score.
The 33-year-old then missed his penalty, compounding another miserable evening for him.
As you can imagine, however, Eddie Howe came out in support of the England international.
Kieran Trippier: What Eddie Howe said about Newcastle star vs Chelsea
Speaking after the game, Howe leapt to the defence of Trippier.
He said (via Lee Ryder): “He has taken the group to a different level. After giving so much it’s our turn to support him.”
Kieran Trippier: Newcastle star needs support
Trippier is in an interesting position. Just because a player has been so good for the club since his arrival does mean he is suddenly immune from criticism.
Still, some leeway should be afforded. Yes, the mistakes are frustrating but he has been a transformative figure since signing and impressed as recently as the draw away in Paris late last month.
Players make mistakes, particularly ones who have had to play so often of late. It does mean they cannot be criticised but surely few would doubt what a key player Trippier has been – and continues to be – for the club.
Hailed as one of the best signings of the PIF era, you’d have to back him to get over this slump.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
